Digital Content
Students · Wilmington University
VitalSource eBooks
Wilmington University has moved student eBooks from RedShelf to VitalSource Bookshelf. Use this page to understand what changed, how to sign in, and where to get help.
What is VitalSource?
VitalSource Bookshelf is a digital textbook platform that delivers eBooks and course materials to students. You can purchase or rent eBooks, read them online or offline across devices, and take advantage of built-in study tools like search, highlights, notes, read-aloud audio and synced bookmarks. With more than a million titles available and cost savings compared to print, VitalSource makes it easy to access required course materials anytime.
What changed?
Wilmington University has transitioned eBooks from RedShelf to VitalSource Bookshelf, the digital reading platform from VitalSource.
- Your eBooks are not changing. You will still receive the same required titles for your courses.
- The reading platform is changing. New eBooks will open in VitalSource Bookshelf instead of RedShelf.
- This change applies to both Inclusive Access materials and most eBooks purchased through the Campus Store website.
How to sign in to VitalSource
To keep your access simple, use the same email address you already use for Wilmington University.
If you used RedShelf before
- Go to wilmu.vitalsource.com (opens in a new tab).
- Sign in with the same email address and password you used for your RedShelf account.
- If you do not remember your password, select “Forgot password” and reset it. Do not create a second account.
If you have never used an eBook before
- Go to wilmu.vitalsource.com (opens in a new tab).
- Create a new VitalSource account using your WilmU student email address.
- Use this same email address whenever you purchase eBooks or access Inclusive Access materials.
VitalSource and eBook Access
- Access to VitalSource will use the same login you used for RedShelf.
- If you’re having trouble logging in with your RedShelf credentials, try “Forgot Password” first. If that doesn’t work, create a new account using your university email.
Wilmington University Campus Store | Rent or Buy Online eBooks (opens in a new tab)
How you get your eBooks
eBooks purchased from the Campus Store website
- When you purchase an eBook at bookstore.wilmu.edu, your order confirmation will include a link or instructions to access your eBook.
- Follow the instructions in your confirmation email or order history. You will be directed to VitalSource Bookshelf to redeem and read your eBook.
- After you redeem, the title will appear in your Bookshelf library anytime you sign in.
eBooks purchased in person at the Campus Store (on campus)
If you purchased a VitalSource eBook at the Campus Store register, your receipt includes the steps below. Follow them to redeem your eBook into your VitalSource Bookshelf account.
To get started viewing your eBook, follow these steps:
- Visit the link on your receipt to obtain your access code. The link begins with http://prbs.io/
- Visit https://wilmu.vitalsource.com/ (opens in a new tab).
- Log in or create a new VitalSource account.
- Once logged in, click the Redeem button located in your Bookshelf page.
- Enter your redemption access code and your eBook will appear on your My Library page.
- If you have questions, visit bookshelfsupport.vitalsource.com/hc/en-us (opens in a new tab).
Tip: Use your WilmU student email for your VitalSource account so all course materials stay in one library.
Accessing Inclusive Access (IA) Materials in Canvas
Inclusive Access (IA) provides day-one access to your required course materials—no access codes or separate logins needed.
How to Access Your Materials
- Log into Canvas.
- Materials may be delivered through:
- The publisher link (courseware, lab content), or
- The VitalSource Course Material link for eBooks.
- Both links appear in the left-hand course navigation menu.
- Click the appropriate link to access your materials.
- Instructors can provide guidance if needed.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Step 1: Log into Canvas → open your course.
- Step 2:
- Click Course Materials for VitalSource eBooks.
- Click modular for publisher courseware.
- Step 3: First-Time Sign-In
- Create a new account or confirm an existing one.
- Use the university email when creating a new account.
- Step 4: Troubleshooting
- Ensure the instructor has published the course.
- Confirm the student is enrolled.
- Log out → log back in if issues continue.
Opt-Out Option
- Students may opt out during the designated period through the VitalSource link in Canvas.
- If a student opts out, they must obtain course materials separately.
A more detailed Inclusive Access (IA) Welcome Letter will be sent to you before your course begins. It will explain how the program works, provide instructions for accessing your course materials, and outline the steps to opt out if you choose not to participate.
Please note: If you choose to opt out, you will need to obtain your course materials separately. Be sure to speak with your instructor to understand how opting out may affect your participation and grade.
Learn more: Inclusive Access FAQ | Wilmington University Campus Store
How Do I Know If My Class Is Inclusive Access (IA)?
Three ways to confirm:
- Campus Store Website
- Course materials will indicate whether the class is part of IA.
- This appears in the author/title fields with an additional note above the title.
- Nothing needs to be ordered—materials are accessed through Canvas.
- Campus Store IA Page
- Contains a current list of all IA courses.
- Inclusive Access FAQ | Wilmington University Campus Store
- Welcome Letter
- Sent to enrolled students the week prior to classes starting.
- Also available on the Campus Store website.
- https://bookstore.wilmu.edu/site_inclusive_access.asp
Reading in VitalSource Bookshelf
Bookshelf provides a more flexible reading experience:
- Highlight and take notes
- Search within and across books
- Read on laptop, tablet, or phone
- Offline reading with downloaded books
- Optional read-aloud / audio features
- Sync progress across devices
You can access Bookshelf in a web browser or by downloading the free apps:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is digital content or a VitalSource eBook?
Digital content is an electronic version of your textbook. A VitalSource eBook is delivered online through Bookshelf instead of a printed copy. You read it in a web browser or app, highlight passages, make notes, and search the text just like a regular book.
What features do VitalSource eBooks offer?
VitalSource eBooks include built-in study tools. You can highlight text, take notes, bookmark pages, search within a title or across your library, listen with read-aloud audio, and sync your progress across devices. You can also download books for offline reading.
Where do I find my VitalSource eBooks?
Inclusive Access materials are delivered through your Canvas course. For eBooks purchased at the Campus Store, look in your order confirmation email or in your order history for a link to redeem the title. After you redeem your eBook, it appears in your Bookshelf library whenever you sign in at wilmu.vitalsource.com (opens in a new tab) or in the Bookshelf app.
I purchased an eBook from the Campus Store. How do I access it?
Once you complete your purchase, your confirmation email will include an “Access your eBook” link or redemption instructions. Click the link to sign in or create your VitalSource account using your WilmU student email address. After redeeming the title, it will appear in your Bookshelf library.
I bought a VitalSource eBook in person and only have a receipt. How do I redeem it?
Use the instructions printed on your receipt. Start by visiting http://prbs.io/mpr6zd (opens in a new tab) to obtain your code, then sign in at wilmu.vitalsource.com (opens in a new tab). In Bookshelf, click Redeem and enter your access code. Your eBook will appear in My Library.
I can’t find my access email. What should I do?
Check your junk or spam folder for an email from VitalSource. You can also sign in to your Campus Store account and view your order history to locate the digital access link. If you still can’t find it, contact the Campus Store for assistance.
I didn’t receive a link to my eBook. What should I do?
First, ensure you used your WilmU student email address when purchasing. If you don’t see a link in your email or order history, try a different browser and confirm you’re signed in correctly. If the link is still missing, reach out to the Campus Store or VitalSource Support.
Do I need to buy my books again now that we’re using VitalSource?
No. You will not be asked to repurchase Inclusive Access materials or eBooks you have already purchased. New course materials will simply open in Bookshelf instead of RedShelf.
What happens to my existing RedShelf eBooks?
eBooks you purchased in the past through RedShelf will be transferred to VitalSource Bookshelf, so you’ll be able to access them in the same VitalSource account you use for new titles. Once the transfer is complete, you’ll sign in to VitalSource (not RedShelf) to read both your past and current eBooks.
What email address should I use with VitalSource?
Use your Wilmington University student email address for everything—purchasing eBooks, signing in to Bookshelf and accessing Inclusive Access materials. Using one email keeps all your content in one library.
I forgot my password. How do I reset it?
Go to the Bookshelf sign-in page and select “Forgot password.” Enter the same email address you use for your Campus Store and Canvas accounts, and follow the instructions to reset your password. Avoid creating a second account, as that can split your eBooks across multiple accounts.
Can I read offline and on multiple devices?
Yes. Download the free Bookshelf app on your computer, tablet or phone and download your eBooks. Once downloaded, you can read and take notes without an internet connection. Your highlights and progress will sync the next time you connect to the internet. You can have 2 active logins on mobile devices and 2 active logins on desktops. Manage your device logins under your VitalSource account.
How do I redeem a publisher access code or courseware?
If your eBook includes a publisher access code (for example, to access homework or lab software), open the title in Bookshelf, select the three-dot menu and choose “Reveal access code.” Copy the code and follow the publisher’s instructions to redeem it on their website.
Are there restrictions on copying, printing or sharing my eBooks?
Publishers require digital rights management (DRM) to protect content. You can read your eBook on multiple devices, but you cannot download or share the file itself. Printing and copy-and-paste allowances vary by title and may be limited.
How do I export my notes and highlights?
In the Bookshelf online reader, open your Notebook and select “Export.” You can export your highlights and notes to a PDF, CSV or OneNote file for easy review and study.
Where to get help
Campus Store
Questions about which materials you should have, Inclusive Access charges, or eBook delivery through the Campus Store.
Email: bookstoreorders@wilmu.edu
Website: bookstore.wilmu.edu
VitalSource Support
Questions about signing in, Bookshelf apps, or problems opening a VitalSource eBook.
Help Center: support.vitalsource.com (opens in a new tab)
Email: support@vitalsource.com
Additional Resources & Videos
Explore these links for more guidance and support from VitalSource and Wilmington University:
Videos
These short videos introduce key VitalSource concepts and features. You will need an internet connection to watch them.
Getting Started with Bookshelf walks you through navigating your library, downloading books for offline reading and using basic study tools.
Practice Questions with CoachMe shows how AI-generated questions in Bookshelf help you check your understanding as you read.