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About electronic reserves

How to submit e-reserves

In-person training on PDF creation

How to create e-reserves

What file types are acceptable?
Why PDF?
What software do I need to create a PDF?
How do I save a Word document as a PDF?
How do I save a Powerpoint slide show as a PDF?
How do I scan a paper document and save as a PDF?
Can I link to magazine articles online?

What file types are acceptable?

The preferred format is PDF, although GIF, JPG, TXT, Powerpoint (PPT), Word (DOC), and Excel (XLS) are also accepted. Paper documents should be scanned and saved as PDF but may also be brought to a campus reserve specialist for scanning.

Why PDF?

What software do I need to create a PDF?

You will need the full version of Adobe Acrobat (not just Acrobat Reader).

To check for Adobe Acrobat:

  1. Open any program (such as Word or Netscape)
  2. File > Print
  3. Look for Acrobat Distiller in the list of printers

How do I save a Word document as a PDF?

  1. Using a computer that has the full version of Adobe Acrobat, open your Word document
  2. File > Print
  3. Select Acrobat Distiller from the list of printers
  4. Select the location to save the file then click Save
  5. See how to submit e-reserves

How do I save a Powerpoint slide show as a PDF?

  1. Using a computer that has the full version of Adobe Acrobat, open your Powerpoint slide show
  2. File > Print
  3. Select Acrobat Distiller from the list of printers
  4. Under Print What, choose how you want the document formatted
    • Slides: Will put one slide per page
    • Handouts: You can select either 3 or 6 slides per page
  5. Click OK to create the PDF
  6. Select the location to save the file then click Save
  7. See how to submit e-reserves

How do I scan a paper document and save as a PDF?

Scanners directions vary by type; see a presentation support specialist for more help.

  1. Books, magazines, and two-sided pages should be photocopied first for a cleaner scan
  2. Put the document in the auto-document feeder (ADF) or face down on the scanner
  3. Open Adobe Acrobat
  4. File > Import > Scan (the message will default to "Open New PDF Document")
  5. Select device: (your scanner)
  6. Click Scan
  7. Scan to: Adobe Acrobat Scan
  8. Click Scan
  9. Once document is scanned, click Accept
  10. The document will be transformed to a PDF file
  11. Click Done
  12. When you are finished scanning all pages, go to File > Save As
  13. Select the location to save the file then click the Save button
  14. See how to submit e-reserves

Can I link to magazine articles online?

Yes. Many articles in PCC's subscription databases can be put on e-reserve. For copyright access reasons, articles must have a permanent address (URL). Those in EBSCOhost and ProQuest have permanent URLs; for other databases, contact a campus reserve specialist.

Preferred method:

Optional method:
(For instructors with Spot accounts who want to change article links frequently.)