CMO Frequently Asked Questions
Reading lists
How do I find a reading list?
Once logged in to CMO, you can search for a list by unit name or code, or you can select a discipline area and browse for it.
My unit does not have a reading list, how do I get one?
The Library will create a list for you. Email cmo@library.uwa.edu.au and specify the unit title and code as displayed in the UWA Handbook. You will be alerted via email when the list has been created.
How do I edit a reading list?
Click on the unit name or the edit icon beside the unit name.
What do I do if I get a locked list message when I try to edit a list?
A list can only be edited by one person at a time. If someone else is editing a list it becomes locked, and the edit button becomes inaccessible. You are still able to view the list, and can see details of who has it open.
How can I view a list as a student would see it?
When logged in to your list within CMO, click on the Preview button.
I don’t want to make any changes to my list this semester – do I need to do anything for my items to be placed in Reserve?
Yes. You need to log into your list and scroll to the bottom, check the box next to Advise the Library to prepare my list for the coming teaching period and then click Save all and exit. View further information on what to do if there are no changes to your list.
How should I exit CMO?
When you have finished editing your list, please ensure you click Save All and Exit and then the Logout link at the top right-hand side of the page. This ensures that you correctly exit CMO and your list is no longer locked.
List information
The unit coordinator for my list has changed, how do I edit this information?
Unfortunately you cannot edit the unit coordinator information. Please email cmo@library.uwa.edu.au with the correct details and Library staff will make the change.
The “Subject Library” for my list is not selected or incorrect, how do I edit this?
Unfortunately you cannot edit the Subject Library field. This is a very important field so please email cmo@library.uwa.edu.au with the correct details and Library staff will make the change.
Am I able to add the name of another academic who coordinates/teaches my unit?
Yes, you can enter the name into the “Lecturers” field in the list information – click on the Edit list information link.
Does it matter what “Teaching Period” is selected and can I change it?
Please ensure that the correct box is checked for “Teaching Period”, ie the teaching period that the list is relevant for– this information is used by your Subject Library. You can update this field yourself – click on the Edit list information link.
I have been making changes to a list but do not want students to be able to view it until the start of semester – is this possible?
Yes, you can do this by entering dates in the “Display List” fields – click on the Edit list information link. Students will not be able to view the list before the start date entered, or after the end date entered.
Adding citations
How do I add a citation to my list?
Please view the information on Adding a citation to your CMO list.
I want to add a citation to my list from the Catalogue but cannot find what I need – what do I do?
a) If you searched both the Catalogue and Digital Repository simultaneously, ensure you are looking at the Catalogue results tab. Try also clicking the Help link for additional searching tips.
b) If the Library does not hold the item you require in its collections, you may want to consider recommending it as a new title for the Library to purchase.
I want to add a citation to my list from the Digital Repository but cannot find what I need – what do I do?
a) If you searched both the Catalogue and Digital Repository simultaneously, ensure you are looking at the Digital Repository results tab. Try also clicking the Help link for additional searching tips.
b) If the item is not in the Digital Repository, you can place a request for it to be added.
Can I add my lecture notes to a reading list?
No. Only published materials such as journal articles and book extracts should be placed in CMO. Test exam papers, tutorial notes and lecture notes should be placed in your WebCT course.
Demand levels and reserve
How do I get something added to the physical reserve collection?
Please read the information on how to place items in the reserve collection.
What are demand levels and why are they important?
For all physical items added to your list you are required to set a demand level for them. These demand levels will determine the location of the item and the length of time it can be borrowed. View more information on setting demand levels.
How can I tell if I haven't allocated demand levels for all physical items on my list?
If you haven't set all demand levels for items on your list, you will be alerted to this when you attempt to save or exit by the display of a highlighted (pink) message. The message states: Demand levels have not been specified for one or more items from the Library catalogue. A demand level should be set for each item from the Library catalogue to ensure it is placed into the Reserve collection or on 3 day loan as required.
It is recommended that you set demand levels for all physical items on your list, so that your Subject Library can process them accordingly.
How do I add multiples copies of the same text to my list/reserve?
If you require multiples copies of a text to be added to reserve please contact staff in your Subject Library.
What is the difference between the Done button and the Save all & Exit button?
When editing a list and moving between screens, you can click the Done button to temporarily save your changes. To permanently save all of your changes to the server you must click the Save all and exit button.
Removing & displaying citations
How do I delete a citation from my list?
To permanently remove a citation from a list click the red delete icon next to the citation.
I would like some citations on my list to be viewed by students on certain dates only – is this possible?
Yes. To specify a date when a citation can be viewed by students, click on the edit icon next to the citation on your list. Then enter dates in the “Citation appearance” field. Likewise, you can specify dates when a citation can be accessed by students, by entering dates in the “File access” field.
Can I make bulk changes to citations?
Yes, you can make changes to the “Citation appearance” and “File access” fields for more than one citation at a time. Do this by selecting several or all citations on your list and click the Edit selected citations link.
Groups
My citations have been added to the “Others” group. How can I move them?
New citations are automatically added by default to the “Others” group. You can keep them in this group or move them to another group (or sub-group). Click the Add or edit groups link. Scroll down to the group or sub-group you would like to move them to, eg “Course Materials”, and click the Add/remove citations link. All of the citations on your list that are not currently in this group or sub-group will be displayed in the panel on the left. Highlight the citation(s) you wish to move and use the arrow (>>) buttons to move them.
How do I remove a citation from a group/sub-group?
You can remove a citation from a group or sub-group in the same way as adding one above – but use the (<<) arrow button instead. You can also remove a citation from a group or sub-group on the “Add or edit groups” page by clicking the remove citation (-) icon next to the unwanted citation.
How do I create a new group/sub-group?
All lists have defaults groups of “Weeks” and “Assignments” and “Course Materials”, and you can also create your own. To add a new group, enter a name into the “Add Group name” box and click the Add Group (+) icon. Likewise, to add a new sub-group, enter a name into the “Add Sub-Group name” box and click the Add Sub-Group (+) icon.
How do I delete a group/sub-group?
To delete groups or sub-groups, click the delete (x) icon next to the unwanted group or sub-group.
Requesting a new item
How do I request a new item to be added to the Digital Repository?
If you want to add an article/chapter/other digitised item to your list but it is not in the Digital Repository, you can make a request that it be added. Do this by clicking on the CMO Request link, and completing the “Request for Digital Copy” form. Ensure you complete all mandatory fields in each tab.
What if I have my own electronic copy of the document?
If you already have the item in electronic form, and it is of good quality, you can attach it to your request. Click the Attach file and submit request button. PDF is the preferred file format.
How will I know when the item has been processed and added to my list?
You will receive a confirmation email after submitting a request. On receipt of the request the Library will source the item, digitise it and add the citation to your list. You will be notified by email on completion of this process.
WebCT
Can I link to a reading list from a WebCT unit or web page?
Yes, you can link directly to a whole list and also to individual readings on a list. For further details read the Linking to CMO from the web or WebCT guide.
More help?
Who can I contact for further help?
For more information regarding CMO please read the self-help guides and view the online demonstrations.
If you require further assistance do not hesitate to contact staff in your Subject Library.

