The VitalSource Faculty Sampling Platform

The VitalSource Faculty Sampling Platform

Click on the image below or visit our VitalSource Faculty Sampling Platform page at www.vitalsource.com/educators for more information on Sampling. 

How to Get Verified and Access a Sample in Bookshelf

This guide walks instructors through: 

1. Creating an account 
2. Requesting verification 
3. Searching for a title 
4. Requesting a sample 
5. Adding a title to My Library 
6. Accessing and reading your sample 

Part 1: Sign Up or Log In 

Step 1: Create an Account (New Users) 

1. Go to https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/
2. Click Sign Up 
3. Complete the registration form 
4. Select Instructor as your role 
5. Submit your information 

After signing up, your account will be created as an Unverified Instructor. 

Note: The sign-up and login process has not changed. Anyone can create an account and select the Instructor role. 

Step 2: Log In (Existing Users) 

1. Click Sign In 
2. Enter your credentials 
3. You will land on the Home page 

Part 2: Search for a Title 

Step 3: Go to Search 

1. From the Home page, click Search 
2. Navigate to the Search for Sample tab (Beta) 

You can now search across the catalogue of titles available for sampling. 

Step 4: Use Search Filters (Optional) 

After entering your search query, you can refine results using filters: 

• Free eBooks Available – Shows titles available for sampling 
• CoachMe Included – Shows titles that include CoachMe 
• Day 1 Access Pricing – Shows titles that support Day 1 Access programs
• Accessibility Claims - Shows titles that have any accessibility claims

You can select multiple filters at once. 

Note: When multiple filters are selected, results will only include titles that match all selected filters. 

Part 3: View Title Details 

Step 5: Open the Product Detail Page 

1. Click View Details on a title 

On the Product Detail Page (PDP), you will see: 

• Title description 
• Table of contents 
• Accessibility information (if provided) 
• VitalSource benefits (if applicable) 
• Available program flags (CoachMe, Day 1 Access, etc.) 

You can also: 

• Add to My Library 
• Favorite the title 
• View Purchase Options 
• Share with Students (generates a shareable link) 

Part 4: If You Are Already Verified 

If you are a Verified Instructor, you can immediately request and access a sample. 

Step 6: Add the Title to My Library 

1. Click Add to My Library 
2. Enter required course information: 
   • Course Name 
   • Course Enrollment 
3. Click Add to My Library 

You will receive a confirmation email.

Step 7: Confirm via Email 

• Open the email 
• Click Add to My Library in the email 

Once confirmed: 

• The title will appear in your My Library section 
• Click the title to begin reading 

Part 5: If You Are Not Verified 

If you are an Unverified Instructor, you can still search and view title details — but you must complete verification before accessing a sample. 

Step 6: Request Verification 

1. From the Product Detail Page, click Request Verification 
2. Complete the verification form 
3. Submit your request 

Your verification request will be sent to the publisher for approval. 

Step 7: Wait for Publisher Approval 

Once approved: 

• You will receive an email confirming verification 
• You will receive a second email prompting you to add the title to your library 

Step 8: Add the Approved Title to My Library 

1. Click Add This Title to My Library from the email 
2. The title will now appear in My Library 
3. Click the title to begin reading your sample 

Accessing Your Sample 

To access your sample anytime: 

1. Log in to Instructor Home 
2. Go to My Library 
3. Select the title 
4. Begin reading