RedShelf to VitalSource: Fall 2025 Migration Timeline and Key Changes
If your campus is migrating from RedShelf to VitalSource for Fall 2025, this page outlines what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what your team needs to complete to stay on track. Whether you’re supporting day-one access programs or Point of Sale (POS) sales, you’ll find all the key tasks and dates here.
Table of Contents
Key Dates and Timeline
| Task | Recommended Timeline |
| LTI Tool Installation | May 19 — June 30, 2025 |
| SIS File Exchange Setup | May 19 — June 30, 2025 |
| Billing Integration | June 1 — July 31, 2025 |
| Training Registration Begins | Mid-June 2025 |
| VitalSource Platform Access | After SIS integration is complete |
| RedShelf POS Key Deactivation | July 15, 2025 |
Note: Completing the SIS file exchange is the critical unlock—it gives you access to your VitalSource instance and training resources.
What’s Changing?
Email Communication Tools
You’ll move from the RedShelf Inclusive Dashboard to Verba Connect (within VitalSource) to send communications to students and faculty.
Point of Sale (POS)
If your store doesn’t already have a VitalSource POS integration, our team will coordinate with your IT team to implement it before Fall.
- RedShelf POS keys will be disabled on July 15, 2025.
Adoption Submission
You’ll continue using your existing RedShelf shared adoption tracker for Fall 2025. VitalSource access to the Verba platform is also available, but for Fall adoptions, you’ll still submit updates via the tracker and RedShelf CSMs.
Instructor Experience
Instructors will continue to access course materials through LMS links. With the transition to VitalSource, they’ll also gain access to new tools through the Instructor Portal, including:
- Instructor analytics to view student engagement data
- Bookshelf access to revisit current and past course materials
- Deep linking options to guide students to specific content in an eBook
For a walkthrough of how the instructor experience compares between RedShelf and VitalSource, please visit RedShelf vs. VitalSource: What Instructors Should Know.
Student Experience
Students will still access materials through the LMS, but with the added benefits of:
- Opt out by title (students choose which materials to keep)
- Fewer access codes
- Read Now buttons for instant eBook access
- Post-opt-out shopping options
Want a walkthrough of what students will see in the LMS? Visit our RedShelf vs. VitalSource: What Students Should Know (for Staff) page.
Training & Platform Access
- Training sessions begin mid-June and are strongly recommended for users accessing the new platform.
- Platform access (Instructor Portal, Verba tools) begins after your SIS file exchange is complete.
Related Resources
-
Set for Success: Using the Instructor Dashboard
A how-to resource for navigating the Instructor Portal and exploring student engagement data. -
Fall 2025 Transition Overview
A high-level guide to the platform migration and what it means for bookstore teams, instructors, and campus staff. -
RedShelf vs. VitalSource: What Students Should Know (for Staff)
An overview of what students will see and do in the LMS, with a comparison of RedShelf and VitalSource access and opt-out flows. -
RedShelf vs. VitalSource: What Instructors Should Know
A comparison of instructor workflows in RedShelf vs. VitalSource, including the new Instructor Portal and analytics tools.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure where to start, contact your VitalSource Customer Success Manager or email us at success@vitalsource.com. We're here to support a smooth and successful migration.