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

Learn how to add VitalSource digital textbooks to your Blackboard course content areas. VitalSource has replaced RedShelf as the primary platform for digital textbook access.

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. Select a content area where you want to add the textbook link, such as "About this Course" or "Course Materials."
  2. From the Build Content button, select VitalSource Course Materials from the dropdown menu.

    Screenshot showing VitalSource Course Materials option in Build Content menu

  3. Complete the link configuration:
    • Enter a descriptive name for the textbook link
    • Add any relevant instructions for students (optional)
    • Configure additional options as needed (availability dates, grade center integration, etc.)
  4. Click Submit to create the textbook link.
  5. Click on the newly created textbook link to test access.

    Screenshot showing the created VitalSource textbook link in course content

  6. 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.

    Screenshot showing account menu with Support option highlighted

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. 

Need Additional Support?

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk:

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!



Keywords:
VitalSource, Vital Source, textbooks, digital textbooks, course materials, Blackboard, RedShelf, red shelf, e-books, ebooks, digital books, course content, build content, textbook access, digital course materials 
Doc ID:
154205
Owned by:
Center I. in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Created:
2025-08-15
Updated:
2025-08-18
Sites:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville