Faculty Resources

Instructor Guide: Transition from RedShelf to VitalSource

Overview

Earlier this year, VitalSource—the largest provider of higher education eBooks—acquired our current eBook partner, RedShelf. Beginning Spring 2026, most digital course materials will be delivered through VitalSource. This guide outlines what instructors need to know to ensure a smooth transition.

VitalSource and eBook Access

• VitalSource is now the primary platform for most digital course materials, including eBooks and Inclusive Access (IA) content.
• If you have a RedShelf account, your login credentials will be carried over to VitalSource. This also applies to students.
• IA courses: Publisher-provided materials (courseware or labs) remain available day-one via instructor-activated links.
• IA eBook-only courses: Materials are delivered exclusively through VitalSource in Canvas.

Inclusive Access (IA) Materials – Accessed Through Canvas

Inclusive Access (IA) provides students with immediate, day-one access to required digital course materials directly in Canvas. Materials are automatically available to enrolled students at a reduced cost, billed to their student account.

Managing IA Links in Canvas

• Review your IA course listing to ensure both the Publisher link (for courseware) and VitalSource link (for eBooks and opt-out) are correctly set up.
• Verify that both links appear in the left-hand navigation menu of your Canvas course.
• If either link is missing, contact the designated EdTech representative for your College.

Student Access and Communication

• Students access materials via the Publisher link (courseware) or VitalSource link (eBooks), with no access codes or separate logins required.
• Returning students will be notified about the transition from RedShelf to VitalSource, and all students will receive a Welcome Letter with instructions for accessing course materials in Canvas.

Technical Support (IA)

• VitalSource Support: Course Access Faculty Toolkit (opens in a new tab)
• Campus Store IA Team: coursematerial@wilmu.edu