Meet the new Virtual Bookstore: Faculty & Admin Guide
A clearer, simpler course materials experience—for students, faculty, and the people who support them.
The Virtual Bookstore is a new platform powered by VitalSource that simplifies how students access course materials—and how instructors, faculty, and administrators support them. It’s mobile-friendly, financial-aid-ready, course-aware, and customized to compliment each school’s unique brand.
This guide outlines what’s new, what to expect, and how to help students get the most from the platform, starting with this quick video demonstration:
What is it?
The Virtual Bookstore gives students a personalized storefront, tied to their enrolled courses, where they can:
- View exactly what’s been adopted—no guesswork
- Compare digital, print, rental, and marketplace options
- Pay with financial aid or a credit card
- Get instant access to digital materials directly on their MyCourses page
- Track orders and manage support
All in one simple, modern, mobile-friendly experience.
What’s New for Faculty and Admins
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Fewer Student Questions About Access
Students now receive eBooks and access codes directly at checkout, which helps reduce confusion and the volume of “Where do I find this?” questions. -
Simplified Communication Around eBook Delivery
Because eBooks can now be launched directly from the bookstore, there’s no need to explain how to access a separate reading platform. When a student has an eBook, shopping and learning takes place in the same place! -
Integrated Support Tools
The platform includes built-in self-service options (order tracking, returns, cancellations, FAQs) and chat – meeting students where they are and helping them avoid a phone call or email -
Reporting
Insights & Analytics reporting to monitor adoptions, students orders, and more. -
Support for Day One Access Models
The store supports intuitive opt-in/out functionality and supplemental purchases to streamline Day One Access course material programs. Digital Day One Access materials are accessible directly on the MyCourses page, without the need navigate to different pages. -
Optional School Branding
While not required to launch, schools can customize the store with their logo, colors, and messaging at any time—no development work needed.
Optional Features Available to Admins
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Improved Instructor Experience
Sample new course materials, get customized recommendations, and more – directly within the Bookstore website. -
Custom Branding
Schools can apply logos, colors, and messaging to the store, though the platform is fully functional without it. -
Bulk Purchase Support
Order in bulk directly in the bookstore - no need to use any additional tools or websites. Tax Exemption options are available too for schools with Tax Exemption Certificates on file. -
Access and Affordability Programs Compatibility
The platform supports opt-in/out flows, auto-enrollments, and supplemental purchases—all built into the store interface. -
Operational Improvements
More accurate catalog visibility, fewer questions about access, and clearer student workflows reduce the need for manual support.
For questions about setup, customization, or rollout, reach out to your VitalSource Customer Success Manager or email Success@vitalsource.com
Quick Tips
- If a student doesn’t see a required book, confirm it was adopted for their course section.
- If a student is missing an access code or eBook:
- Ensure they completed the purchase
- Direct them to their confirmation email or to My Orders in the home menu
- Still need help? Students should follow the Help area on the bookstore menu: