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Creating Links in Bookshelf 5.3.3 and later

Bookshelf Links


One of the main features of Bookshelf for faculty members is the ability to create links from within Bookshelf (Downloadable) and put them into PowerPoint presentations, on a bulletin board system, or send them to students in an email. With Bookshelf 5.3.3 or Later you now have a choice of what kind of link you can use.

By default Bookshelf will use the Online based link. This link type allows for the end user (the one who clicks on the link) to choose if they want to view the link in Bookshelf (Downloadable) or Bookshelf (Online.) The user must have an active internet connection for the link type to work.

The alternative is an Offline based link. This link does not need an active internet connection in order to work. But it only works with Bookshelf (Downloadable.) This is a great choice if you have students that will be using Bookshelf (Downlodable) in an environment that does not have reliable (or any) network connection.

For a comparison chart between Online and Offline link features, functions, and requirements click here.
For Instructions on toggling between using an Online and Offline based link on a PC running Windows click here.
For Instructions on toggling between using an Online and Offline based link on a Mac click here.


Comparison between Online and Offline Links

Feature

Online Link

Offline Link
Choice of Platform (Bookshelf Downloadable or Online and Mac or PC)1 ✓ X
Link Works Offline (No Internet Connection Needed) X ✓
Links can be created on a Mac or a PC ✓ ✓2
Link can be embedded in a document, email, or Bulletin Board ✓ ✓
Links can be used for SSO integration ✓ X
Default Link Type in Bookshelf 5.3.3 and later ✓ X
1 - Bookshelf for iOS is not yet supported
2 - Creation of Offline links in Bookshelf Downloadable for Mac OS X requires Open Office. Microsoft Office and iWork will not work for a downloadable link because both productivity suites will automatically convert the downloadable to a nonfunctional link. You can download open office from here: http://porting.openoffice.org/mac/


Changing your link type in Bookshelf 5.3.3 - Windows

Steps for changing your link type in Windows XP/Vista/7:

  • Launch Bookshelf and select from the Edit Menu > Preferences
  • Click on the General tab in the Preference pane.
  • Check the box that says Use offline URL when copying links
  • Click the OK button.
  • Now when you Right Click in the book and select Copy Outline link you will have an Offline link in your clipboard that you can use.

Example of an Online link: http://online.vitalsource.com/books/1-59377-194-0/outline/4.2
Example of an Offline link: vbk:1-59377-194-0#outline(4.2)



Changing your link type in Bookshelf 5.3.3 - Mac OS X

Steps for changing your link type in Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

  • Launch Bookshelf and select from the Bookshelf Menu > Preferences
  • Click on the General tab in the Preference pane.
  • Check the box that says Use offline URL when copying links
  • Close the Preferences window.
  • Now when you Right Click in the book and select Copy Outline link you will have an Offline link in your clipboard that you can use.

Example of an Online link: http://online.vitalsource.com/books/1-59377-194-0/outline/4.2
Example of an Offline link: vbk:1-59377-194-0#outline(4.2)


Section:
Help Topics
Last Updated:
08 Oct, 2010 04:28 PM

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