VitalSource (formerly RedShelf) - How to Link Textbooks in Course Content

VitalSource has replaced RedShelf as the platform for accessing digital textbooks in Blackboard courses. While VitalSource is not currently available as a course menu option, you can easily link textbooks within your course content areas using the following steps.

Adding VitalSource Textbooks to Course Content

1. On the Course Content page of your course, click the plus sign where you want to add the link.
2. Select Content Market from the drop-down menu.
3. Scroll down to locate the VitalSource Course Materials tile. Click the plus sign to add the link to the Course Content page.
   
   
   
   
4. Return to the Course Content page and locate the link.
5. Click the 3 dots on the right side of the block. Select Edit.
   
   
   
   
6. Complete the link configuration.  
   • Customize the title: Hover over the default title and click the pencil icon to edit. Enter a descriptive name for the textbook link.
   • Visibility: By default, the link will automatically be hidden from students. Use the drop-down menu to determine settings: visible, hidden from students, or release conditions (formerly adaptive release).
   • Description: Add any relevant instructions or a description of the link for students (optional)
7. Click Save to create the textbook link.
8. Click on the newly created textbook link to test access.
   
   
   
   
9. If students encounter issues or you need additional assistance, click on your account icon in the upper right corner and select Support from the dropdown menu.
   
   

If you have any questions or need further assistance with VitalSource:

• Use the AI Chat Box for questions not included in this resource.
• Contact Textbook Services for additional help at 618-650-3020. 

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This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!