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Integrating Library Content in Canvas

This is a comprehensive guide to help instructors and librarians provide the best resources for students via Canvas.

Linking to Licensed Videos

In most cases, there will be a Share or Embed/Link button below the video you are viewing.

To link to a video on your page, copy the URL that appears after clicking buttons Share or Embed/Link.

The key difference between this and the URL in your browsers is that this link is a permanent URL as opposed to a session URL.

That is, users can access a permanent link from any computer. Session URLs are not permanent; they rely on information stored locally on your computer.

Kanopy Example

Step 1: Click on Share button

To link: Copy link under Share tab

To embed: Copy embed code under Embed tab

Ethnographic Video Online Example

Step 1: Click Embed/Link button

Step 2: Copy either the durable link or the embed code

Naxos Video Library Example

Copy the link from your browser's URL bar.

This is not ideal, as there is no permanent link or embed code offered.

Please test your links on an off-campus computer to ensure user access.

Linking video in LMS pages

Linking video in any learning management system is relatively straightforward.

Click here for a thorough explanation of how to insert links on Canvas.

Quick explanation:
  1. Once you have found the video you want to feature on your page, look for a button labeled Share or Embed. This is where you will find a permanent link. This link should be in the format of https://www.vendor.com/path/.
  2. Copy the link you find.
  3. In the text editor on your page, type the words that will comprise the link.
  4. Highlight these words.
  5. Then click the link icon and paste the URL into the box.
  6. Click Ok and test your link for functionality!
Some guidelines to follow:
  • Always create links with permanent URLs.
  • Do not create links with session URLs.
    • In some cases, sites (such as Naxos video library) will not offer permanent URLs. In this case, test the functionality of a session URL on a different computer off-campus. Another option is to test on a cellular phone not connected to campus Wi-Fi. 

connections-iconEmbedding video in LMS pages

Embedding video is also relatively straightforward.

Quick Explanation:
  1. Locate the video you want to share.
  2. Click on the Share/Embed button
  3. Copy the embed code in its entirity.
    1. The code should begin with <iframe>, <embed>, or <object>.
  4. Go to the LMS where you wish to insert the video.
  5. Open your LMS text editor and click the button labeled Source or HTML.
  6. Paste the embed code into your editor as source code.
  7. Click Ok or Save & Close.
  8. Test the functionality of your embedded video.
Some guidelines to follow:
  • Maintain aspect ratio when resizing video.
  • Make sure the code has been copied entirely.
  • Test for functionality afterwards.

  • Keep in mind: some browsers may block embedded content. Make a note to inform students they may have to disable browser settings temporarily.

  • Another option is to provide a permanent link below your embedded content.