VitalSource + RedShelf: Your VitalSource Learn Resource Guide

Welcome

Welcome to your VitalSource Learn Resource Guide! This guide is designed to support you in managing your course materials program after completing your VitalSource Learn training. You’ll find step-by-step instructions, definitions, and support contacts to make your migration experience smooth and successful.  


Table Of Contents 


Migration Overview

Moving from RedShelf to VitalSource? See what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and the steps to keep your team on track:
👉 Learn more: RedShelf to VitalSource: Migration Timeline and Key Changes


Support at a Glance

Your Customer Success Manager (CSM) is here to guide you with:

  • Keeping your migration on track and ensuring a smooth transition
  • Strategic Planning and goal setting for your program 

Our broader Success Team can assist with:

  • General questions about VitalSource tools
  • Content pricing and availability inquiries
  • Invoicing or integration issues. 

👉 Please email success@vitalsource.com and CC your CSM for visibility. 


Learning Videos in Connect 

Once you’re logged into Connect, a library of helpful training videos is available right in your navigation bar—designed to guide you step-by-step and help you make the most of your program. Simply click on the video icon: 

connect videos.png

VitalSource Learn: Session 1 Topics

This first session introduces you to the fundamentals of Connect:

  • Catalogs
  • Schedule Creation
  • Item Creation
  • Using Explore and Create
  • ISBN Types & Delivery Methods 

Essential Steps for Success in Connect 

Step 1: Create a Catalog

A catalog is a record of course material adoptions grouped by academic term (e.g., Fall 2022). Learn more: Verba Glossary – Connect.

Creating a catalog is your first and most important step. Decide whether your campus will:

  • Use a Point-of-Sale (POS) integration – recommended, since terms and ISBNs automatically sync into Connect.
  • Upload a file – a good option if your campus doesn’t use a POS system.

👉 Not sure which option is right for you? Email success@vitalsource.com and CC your CSM for guidance.  

Why it matters: The catalog is the foundation of your program—everything else you build in Connect (schedules, items, billing) depends on it.  


Step 2: Set Up Schedules  

Adjust your schedules according to what works best for your academic calendar

  • Choose one opt-in window or set up multiple opt-in/billing dates—whatever works best for your campus.
    👉 Learn More: Verba Glossary - Connect 

Why it matters: Flexible schedules ensure billing aligns with your institution’s timelines.  


Step 3: Create Your Items  

Once your catalog is ready, it’s time to add items (course materials). You can:

Why it matters: Items are the actual course materials your students will see—getting them right ensures the right content is delivered to your students.  


Other Helpful Resources

Step-by-step instructions for emailing faculty from Connect. 
👉 Guide: Emailing Faculty Using Connect 


VitalSource Learn: Session 2 Topics

In the second session, we dove into IA invoicing, billing, and reporting.  

  • IA Invoicing & Statements
  • Courses
  • Students
  • Billing & Reporting
  • Manage: Analytics and Insights 

IA Invoicing & Statements

As your institution migrates to VitalSource technology, you will experience changes to the format and cadence for your Inclusive Access Invoices. 
👉 Learn more: IA Invoicing & Statements 


Student Charge Files

If enabled, Connect can provide files that detail student charges and refunds. 
👉 Learn more: Student Charge Files 


Billing & Reporting

Connect users will access their accounting information by selecting the Billing button from the Connect header.  

The Billing page is split between Pending Purchase Orders and Issued Purchase Orders. 
👉 Learn more: Connect's Billing Page 
👉 Learn more: Connect’s Reporting Page


Manage: Analytics and Insights

Access a variety of reports to view and analyze your VitalSource eBook data. 
👉 Learn more: Analytics and Insights via Manage 

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