RedShelf to VitalSource: Understanding the Student Dashboard (for Staff)
As your campus makes the move from RedShelf to VitalSource, it’s helpful to know what students will see and experience when accessing their course materials through the LMS.
This article provides a visual walkthrough of the VitalSource Student Dashboard—the central space where students access eTextbooks, manage participation, and view deadlines. It’s designed to help bookstore managers, CSMs, campus partners, and LMS administrators confidently support students during this transition.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A short video preview of the student dashboard
- A breakdown of what’s changing (and what’s staying the same)
- Related Resources
- A transcript of the video for reference
Quick Video Overview
Get a 2-minute look at how the VitalSource student experience works—from getting your materials to using learning tools that support your success.
Prefer to read? View the full transcript below.
What’s Changing / What’s Staying the Same
What’s Changing for Students:
- 24/7/365 live support directly from VitalSource
- Seamless LMS access—materials appear automatically; most won’t require access codes
- A consistent, modern reader experience across all materials
- Built-in learning tools like Bookshelf CoachMe (on select titles)
- Improved offline access through the Bookshelf app
What’s Staying the Same:
- Students will still receive materials through Inclusive Access
- Opt-out remains available where applicable
- Pricing structure remains competitive and familiar
Related Resources
- 📅 Fall 2025 Migration Timeline and Key Changes
Key dates, integration tasks, and platform access timelines for LMS, SIS, and billing setup. - 🎓 RedShelf vs. VitalSource: What Students Should Know (for Staff)
A side-by-side video comparison of the RedShelf and VitalSource student experience, including opt-out behavior and dashboard updates. - 🧭 Student Experience
A detailed walkthrough of how students interact with the VitalSource dashboard inside the LMS—great for bookstore or support teams.
FAQs for Students
-
Do students need to create an account?
No. Students access materials using their existing LMS login. -
Do students need to opt in?
No. Enrollment is automatic. Action is only needed if they want to opt out. -
Do students need access codes?
Not usually. Most titles open with Read Now. If a code is needed, it appears directly on the dashboard. -
Do students need to download anything?
No, but the free Bookshelf app allows for offline reading. -
Do students need support from campus staff?
VitalSource provides 24/7 support via chat and email, so students can get help without involving your team.
Need Help?
Students have access to 24/7 support via chat and email through VitalSource at support@vitalsource.com.
Campus staff can also contact their Customer Success Manager or email success@vitalsource.com with any questions.
Transcript: VitalSource Student Course Dashboard Video
Accessing the Dashboard – 0:00
In this video, we'll go over the VitalSource Student Course Dashboard. Students access their dashboard through your Campus Learning Management System, or LMS.
The VitalSource team will work with you and your campus LMS administrator to determine the best LMS link placement options for your program. There are several branding configurations available to customize the dashboard for your campus, including the logo, available student messaging, button colors, and store links.
What Students See – 0:29
Once students have accessed their course dashboard through their LMS, they'll see all of the courses they are enrolled in, along with an item card for each adoption.
Each item card contains information about the adoption and the student's deadline to change their participation decision. Students can change their decision by clicking the Want to Opt Out button and following the prompts.
Students can opt back in any time prior to the deadline, and they can continue to access e-textbooks through the opt-out deadline, even if they've opted out.
Accessing eTextbooks and Codes – 1:00
E-textbooks on the VitalSource Bookshelf platform can be accessed by clicking the Read Now button.
If an item requires an access code, students can view their access code by clicking the Reveal Access Code button. Their access code will display, along with the website where they’ll need to redeem it.
For adoptions that may be accessed another way, custom instructions can be added to show directly on the item card.
After Opt-Out and Comparison Shopping – 1:36
If a student chooses to opt out of an item, their item card will update to give them shopping options after the opt-out deadline passes.
Adoptions that aren't part of your Inclusive Access Program can also be made available with a comparison shopping option. This allows students to browse different purchase options from vendors selected by your campus store.
Final Note – 1:57
If you have any questions about the VitalSource Student Experience, please let our team know. We're happy to help.