CU Boulder Student FAQ
FAQ Topics
- How to access your digital materials for the first time through VitalSource?
- How to access your digital materials as a returning VitalSource user?
- My Activation Link is no longer valid.
- How do I access Publisher Courseware?
- What if I cannot find the eTextbook(s) I purchased?
- How do I request a refund?
- How do I update my email address?
- How do I change my password?
- What if I have multiple VitalSource Accounts?
- Can I download eTextbooks for offline use?
- Can I print my books?
- Is the Bookshelf platform accessible?
- I have unanswered questions, can you help?
How to access your digital materials for the first time through VitalSource?
After purchasing your digital materials from the University Co-op for the first time, you will need to click the activation link in your order confirmation email to begin the account creation process.
The link will look like this, https://api.vitalsource.com/v4/activation_requests/MW4SP8WC4Q5W5N24QKS6ZE6HZ5PD7J7R/activate/.
After clicking the link, follow the prompts to create your VitalSource Account. We suggest using your school email address for your VitalSource account and a unique password; please remember to save your VitalSource login as your activation link is good for one use.
If your activation link expired, you can Sign in to Bookshelf at https://cuboulder-bookshelf.vitalsource.com using your VitalSource Account credentials or request a new activation link by entering the email address used to purchase your digital materials from the University Co-op.
How to access your digital materials as a returning VitalSource user?
Returning VitalSource Users will not have an activation link included in your order confirmation. You will sign in to Bookshelf at https://cuboulder-bookshelf.vitalsource.com using your VitalSource Account credentials. Once signed into Bookshelf, your new titles will already be on your Bookshelf.
My Activation Link is no longer valid.
If your activation link expired or is not working, sign in to Bookshelf at https://cuboulder-bookshelf.vitalsource.com using your existing VitalSource Account credentials. Your digital materials should be in your account.
If you are new to VitalSource, request a new activation link by entering the email address used to purchase your digital materials from the University Co-op. You will receive a new activation link from Do.Not.Reply@vitalsource.com; click the link to set up your VitalSource Account.
Should you run into any issues, please feel free to contact VitalSource Support and provide the Support Reference Code (NOT ACCESS CODE) in your confirmation email. Make sure to submit a request using your school email address for faster service.
How do I access Publisher Courseware?
Please visit http://cuboulder-bookshelf.vitalsource.com/. Sign in using the email and password you used when you purchased your access code.
Click the Reveal Access Code button next to the title. Then click the Continue button in the lower-right of the slide-out, and then click the Reveal Access Code button. Suppose you do not see a Reveal Access Code button next to your courseware packet. Open the digital Access Code Card and click on the notification pop-up that says, "This item contains an access code. Click here to reveal."
Copy the Courseware Access Code. Please read and follow the instructions included with your access code. Publishers may have different instructions for their product. Keep in mind; you can only redeem the Publisher Access Code at the publisher’s website.
If you have problems redeeming your Publisher Access Code, please contact the publisher:
- Cengage MindTap/WebAssign/Brian/Sam/iLrn
- Cengage Unlimited
- Macmillan
- McGraw Hill Connect/LearnSmart/Aleks/SmartBook
- Pearson MyLab/Mastering/Revel
VitalSource only provides access to the Publisher Access Code. We can’t troubleshoot access to the publisher’s platform.
Should you run into any issues, please feel free to contact VitalSource Support and provide the Support Reference Code (NOT ACCESS CODE) in your confirmation email. Make sure to submit a request using your school email address for faster service.
What if I cannot find my digital materials?
Sign in to Bookshelf at https://cuboulder-bookshelf.vitalsource.com using the VitalSource Account credentials you entered when originally configuring your account. In Bookshelf's menu, click on the Tools menu and select the Update Library. After a quick refresh, you should see your missing titles.
If you do not see your missing title, you may have multiple VitalSource Accounts. Sign out of Bookshelf and sign in with any other VitalSource accounts you may have to see if your book is in your account.
Should you run into any issues, please feel free to contact VitalSource Support and provide the Support Reference Code (NOT ACCESS CODE) in your confirmation email. Make sure to submit a request using your school email address for faster service.
How do I request a refund?
Please contact the University bookstore for assistance.
How do I update my email address?
Follow the steps listed in this article for instructions on updating your email address and other account information, https://support.vitalsource.com/hc/en-us/articles/201856426.
What if I have multiple VitalSource Accounts?
If you have a pre-existing account with VitalSource, or you realize have created multiple VitalSource Accounts, please contact VitalSource Support and provide the Support Reference Code (NOT ACCESS CODE) found in your confirmation email. Make sure to submit a request using your school email address for faster service. Please let them know any email address you may have used.
How do I change my password?
Follow the steps listed in this article for instructions on how to change your password, https://support.vitalsource.com/hc/en-us/articles/201856436.
Can I download eTextbooks for offline use?
Yes! To access eTextbooks offline, download the Bookshelf app on your computer or mobile device. The Bookshelf app is available free on all major app stores. Learn more about the Bookshelf app here.
Can I print my books?
In most cases, yes. However, printing restrictions are set by each publisher.
Is the Bookshelf platform accessible?
Yes. We take accessibility seriously. You can find our VPATs here and relevant support articles here. We ensure all materials meet a minimum standard of accessibility, and the Bookshelf platform supports even more accessibility features, but publishers determine enhanced accessibility for their own content.
I have unanswered questions, can you help?
Yes, we have more support articles for you to find immediate questions on the help page. However, should you run into any issues, please feel free to contact VitalSource Support and provide the Support Reference Code (NOT ACCESS CODE) in your confirmation email. Make sure to submit a request using your school email address for faster service.
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