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Bookshelf Overview

Organize resources right in Otus to provide easy access to you and your students.

Monica Burke avatar
Written by Monica Burke
Updated over a week ago


Understanding the Bookshelf

The Bookshelf acts like a physical bookshelf in a classroom would: students can peruse resources uploaded to their bookshelf or open them up whenever they like. The Bookshelf is generally used for a collection of resources that the students may need to refer to repeatedly over the course of a unit or semester. In addition, teachers can use resources they've added to their bookshelf in their lessons.

The Basics


My Bookshelf

When you open your bookshelf, you'll see My Bookshelf.

The default view is All Resources, which shows every resource you've added to your bookshelf. Each class has its own bookshelf which can be access from the dropdown menu at the top of the page. Select a class from the dropdown menu the resources that are shared with that class.

💡 Tip: You can organize the resources into folders to make it easier to find exactly what you need.


Adding Resources

You can add several types of resources to your bookshelf.

  • Step 1: Select the + icon choose to add a resource, create a folder, or upload thin CC.

  • Step 2: Select the resource type.

    • Upload file - select a file from your computer.

    • Link - add a link to a web resource.

    • Photo - add a photo from your device or take a photo in-app.

    • Video - add a video you recorded from your device or record directly in-app.

    • YouTube - add a link directly to the YouTube resource of your choosing.

    • Audio - add a recording from your device or record directly in-app.

    • Google Drive - access your Google Drive to select a specific resource to make available.

    • OneDrive - access your OneDrive to select a specific resource to make available.

    • Page - create a text document directly in Otus.


Sharing Resources

You can share the resources you've added to your bookshelf.

Share your resources with entire classes, individual students, groups of students, or other teachers.


Shared With Me

Any resource that has been shared with you will be located in the Shared With Me section.

This section is meant for you to view any resources that have been shared with you. Since these resources are owned by other users, you aren't able to use these in lessons or share these with students. The best way to share resources to use in activities is to share the lesson containing the activities. Sharing the lesson will automatically add all resources to the recipient's My Bookshelf section.


FAQ and Troubleshooting

Click here to view FAQ and troubleshooting details.

How is the bookshelf different than lessons?

Lessons are more akin to actual classroom activities where you're handing out specific instructions and resources that students will refer to for a targeted set of activities. You can use resources from your bookshelf in your lessons. It is like adding new books, magazines, or videos directly to a bookshelf in your classroom, so that students can walk up and grab what they need when they need it.

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