VitalSource Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is an eTextbook?

  An eTextbook is a digital version of a printed textbook that you access through VitalSource Bookshelf rather than receiving a physical copy. eTextbooks can be read online through a browser or downloaded to the Bookshelf app for offline reading on your computer, tablet, or phone.

  eTextbooks include study tools such as highlights, notes, flashcards, and text-to-speech. Some titles also include embedded audio, video, or interactive content depending on the format and publisher.

  Students can typically save significantly compared to the cost of a new print textbook.

• How do I access my eTextbook after purchase?

  Your eTextbook is available immediately after purchase. There are two ways to access it:

  • Online: Go to VitalSource Bookshelf Online and sign in with the same email and password you used to purchase. Your eTextbook will appear in your library.
  • Offline: Download the free Bookshelf app on your computer, tablet, or phone, sign in, and download the title for offline reading in the app. When you purchase from VitalSource, you can download it on to up to 2 computers and 2 mobile devices.

  Your VitalSource store account and Bookshelf account use the same login credentials, so no separate account setup is needed.

• What devices can I read my eTextbook on, and how many devices can I use?

  You can read your eTextbooks on any compatible computer, tablet, or mobile phone. VitalSource Bookshelf is compatible with Mac, PC, iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, and Chromebook devices. Visit our download Bookshelf page for compatibility requirements.

  When purchasing on VitalSource, you can download and access your eTextbooks on up to 2 computers and 2 mobile devices using the Bookshelf app. Reading online through a browser at VitalSource Bookshelf Online does not count toward your device limit.

• Do I need an internet connection to read my eTextbook?

  No. You can read your eTextbooks offline by downloading them to the free Bookshelf app on your computer, tablet, or phone. Once downloaded, you have full access to your eTextbook and all study tools without an internet connection.

  An internet connection is only required to make purchases, sync notes and highlights across devices, and for the initial download of titles to the app.

• What is the difference between a Reflowable and Fixed Layout eTextbook? (ePub vs PDF)

  VitalSource eTextbooks come in two formats: Reflowable and Fixed Layout.

  A Reflowable eTextbook works like a website - the text adjusts to fit your screen size, so it reads well on any device including phones and tablets. Font size, font color and background color are adjustable, and these titles may include embedded audio, video, or interactive content in addition to standard study tools like notes, highlights, and text-to-speech.

  A Fixed Layout eTextbook looks and feels like the print version of the book. The pages are set at a fixed size, so the text does not reflow - the smaller your screen, the smaller the text. These work best on a laptop or desktop and do not include embedded media or interactive content, but do support notes, highlights, text-to-speech, and printing.

  When browsing the VitalSource store, the format is shown on each product page so you can choose before you buy. If you read mostly on a phone or tablet, Reflowable is the better choice. If your course references specific page numbers from the print edition, Fixed Layout will match them exactly.

• Can I print my eTextbook or download it as a PDF?

  Printing and downloading are subject to publisher copyright restrictions and vary by title.

  Printing: Most titles allow a limited number of pages to be printed at a time. Some publishers apply a watermark to printed pages, and some titles do not allow printing at all. To check whether printing is available for your title, open it in Bookshelf and look for the print icon. If no print icon appears, the publisher has not enabled printing for that title.

  Downloading as PDF: You cannot download an eTextbook as a file to your device. However, you can download titles to the Bookshelf app on your computer, tablet, or phone for offline reading. This gives you full access to your eTextbook without an internet connection while keeping the content copyright protected in line with publisher requirements.

  VitalSource does not set these restrictions - they are determined by each publisher and applied at the title level.

• What is the difference between renting and buying an eTextbook on VitalSource?

  VitalSource offers two access options for eTextbooks: rental and lifetime license.

  When you rent an eTextbook, you get access for a fixed period - typically 60, 90, 120, or 180 days - at a lower price. Access expires automatically at the end of the rental period.

  When you purchase a lifetime license, you get longer-term access to the title through your VitalSource Bookshelf account. "Lifetime" means five (5) years of online access via Bookshelf Online, plus the ability to permanently download the title to a supported device. All licenses are non-transferrable.

  Both options give you the same reading experience and access to Bookshelf study tools including notes, highlights, and text-to-speech. Renting is the better choice if you only need the book for a single semester. A lifetime license makes sense if it is a reference title you will return to beyond the course.

• What is VitalSource's return policy?

  You may request a refund on an eTextbook purchased from the VitalSource Store provided all of the following conditions are met:

  • You are requesting the refund within 14 days of the purchase date.
  • You have not viewed or printed more than 20% of the eTextbook in total.
  • You have not used any access codes for online resources included with your purchase.
  • You have not previously returned the same eTextbook from a prior purchase.
  • You have not returned 3 or more eTextbooks in the past 90 days across all your VitalSource accounts.
  • The item was purchased directly from the VitalSource Store (not a third-party retailer).

  Refunds are processed immediately and returned to your original payment method. Credit and debit card refunds typically post within 5 to 7 business days.

  Some publishers have shorter return windows or stricter conditions. Hachette titles must be returned within 3 days, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster within 2 days, and Penguin Random House titles must be returned before any pages have been viewed. WileyPLUS codes have their own policy. See our full Returns page for all publisher-specific exceptions.

  To request a refund, sign in to your Orders & Returns page and use the Request Refund button on your order.

• Can I purchase an eTextbook if I live outside the US?

  VitalSource has regional stores available in the following countries: United States (including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands), Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Peru, India, Italy, Japan, and Argentina.

  To purchase, simply select your country from the flag icon in the top menu and complete checkout with a valid billing address for that country.

• What payment methods does VitalSource accept?

  VitalSource accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay, and prepaid credit cards with a valid billing address. Payment options vary by region - PayPal and Apple Pay are not available in all international stores. To confirm which payment methods are available in your country, scroll to the bottom of your regional homepage.

• Do I have to pay sales tax on an eTextbook?

  Whether sales tax applies to your purchase depends on your billing address.

  In the United States, sales tax is calculated at checkout based on your state's digital goods tax laws. Not all states tax digital content - tax will be applied automatically if your state requires it.

  In Canada, GST/HST and applicable provincial taxes are applied based on your province. Rates vary by province and are calculated at checkout.

  For customers in all other countries, any applicable VAT or GST is already included in the displayed price, so no additional tax is added at checkout.

• Can I purchase eTextbooks in bulk?

  Yes. VitalSource offers bulk purchasing for institutions, educators, and anyone buying multiple titles at once. You can purchase in single or multiple quantities, and recipients receive redemption codes by email to activate their eTextbooks through VitalSource Bookshelf.

  To place a bulk order, visit the VitalSource Bulk Store and select your country from the dropdown to shop in your regional store. Bulk orders can be paid by credit card or purchase order (PO).

  For questions about bulk orders, contact VitalSource at bulk.orders@vitalsource.com.

• Can I purchase an eTextbook as a gift?

  Yes. You can purchase a single eTextbook as a gift through the VitalSource Bulk Store. When you purchase a single quantity, a redemption code will be emailed to you. You can then pass the code along to the recipient, who will activate the eTextbook by redeeming the code in their VitalSource Bookshelf account.

  To get started, visit the VitalSource Bulk Store and select your country from the dropdown.

• How do I redeem a VitalSource code to access my eTextbook?

  If you received a VitalSource redemption code (for example, from your bookstore or as a gift purchase), you can redeem it in one of two ways:

  • In Bookshelf Online: Log in at VitalSource Bookshelf Online, click the menu icon, and select "Redeem Code."
  • Via the Redeem portal: Visit VitalSource and enter your code there.

  Once redeemed, the eTextbook will appear in your Bookshelf library and is available to read immediately online or through the Bookshelf app.

• I purchased an access code on VitalSource. How do I redeem it?

  Some products sold on VitalSource are courseware access codes rather than eTextbooks. These are labeled "Courseware" on the product page and give you access to content hosted directly on the publisher's website (such as Pearson MyLab, McGraw Hill Connect, or Cengage MindTap).

  To find and redeem your code:

  1. Log in to Bookshelf Online at VitalSource Bookshelf Online.
  2. Go to My Library and locate the title.
  3. Click the three dots below the cover and select "Access Code Instructions."
  4. A pop-up will show your code and the publisher's website where it needs to be redeemed.

  Note that a Course Key from your instructor may also be required. If you have trouble redeeming the code on the publisher's site, contact that publisher's support directly - VitalSource provides the code but cannot troubleshoot third-party platforms.

• Does VitalSource have coupon codes?

  VitalSource does not offer coupon codes. Our eTextbook prices are set in partnership with publishers, which means we are not able to apply additional discounts at checkout.

  If you have searched for a VitalSource coupon code and found one online, it will not work. Many affiliate websites post fake coupon codes for VitalSource to get you to click through to their site - the codes are not real and VitalSource has no relationship with these promotions.

  The best way to save on VitalSource is to choose a rental over a lifetime license if you only need the book for a single semester, or to check whether your institution provides access through a course materials program.

• How do I contact VitalSource customer support?

  VitalSource customer support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. You can reach the support team at storesupport.vitalsource.com for help with account issues, technical problems, purchases, and refunds.

• Is VitalSource a legitimate and trustworthy place to buy textbooks?

  Yes. VitalSource is one of the world's largest providers of digital course materials in higher education. We are an authorized distributor for over 1,000 publishers and carry more than 1 million titles. VitalSource Bookshelf is used at more than 7,000 educational institutions globally.

  All eTextbooks sold on eTextbooks | Rent or Buy Online Textbooks | VitalSource come directly from publishers, not third parties, so you can be confident you are purchasing legitimate, fully licensed content. If you are concerned about counterfeit or pirated eTextbooks, our Buy Safe page explains how to identify authorized VitalSource sellers.

  VitalSource has a 4.8 star rating based on over 75,000 customer reviews.