How do you change that default location from the right of the layout to the left? thanks
There is no absolute "open in the left/right side" option and the the location algorithm used by the software isn't very predictable, so it would be best to drag the resource to the desired location.
Note that you can drag it as you open it, so you don't need to open it first (potentially in the wrong place) and then drag it.
Understood. Thank you.
The Reading LIst Logos/Verbum dataset and visualization information contains a link to a post explaining the rules for determining where a resource will open.