Overview
When faculty select course materials, they make a decision that profoundly shapes the student's learning experience. We rely on their expertise to choose the right content for their course(s). But when it comes to choosing the format—digital, print, rental, loose-leaf, or otherwise—we believe that choice belongs to students.
Our role is to support academic success by ensuring that every learner has access to the course materials that best meet their individual needs. Sometimes that’s an eBook for ultimate flexibility; sometimes it’s a physical book because a student learns best with a highlighter in hand. Either way, the decision is personal—and academic freedom extends to students, not just instructors.
Why Format Choice Matters
Students have diverse learning styles, accessibility needs, financial constraints, and study habits. Mandating a single format risks undermining their ability to engage with the material in the way that works best for them.
A few realities we see every day:
- Accessibility needs vary. Some students rely on text-to-speech or screen-readers; others rely on the tactile experience of paper.
- Learning preferences vary. For some, digital enhances productivity; for others, print improves retention.
- Budgets vary. A student may choose the most affordable option that still supports their learning.
Restricting available formats can unintentionally create equity gaps in the classroom. Offering choice closes those gaps.
Instructors guide the what (the content), and students choose the how (the format). By simplifying and standardizing the experience, we ensure every student has transparent access to the full range of available course materials for each adoption.
Addressing Faculty Preferences: The Role of Course Notes
We recognize that some instructors may feel strongly about recommending or discouraging particular formats. Motivations for this are often pedagogically sound. For example, they believe the interactive features of an eBook are essential, or that students perform better with Print in a specific course.
While our platform does not restrict or hide formats available for the particular version of the material indicated by an adopted ISBN, we do provide a constructive outlet: Course Notes.
Course Notes allow faculty to:
- Share format recommendations
- Explain pedagogical reasoning
- Provide guidance on study expectations
- Communicate any course-specific considerations
This preserves the instructor’s academic voice while ensuring students retain the freedom to choose the option that best supports their learning. For more information on Course Notes and how to make an adoption, see How to Adopt Course Materials in Collect.
Benefits of This Approach
For Students
- Autonomy over learning experience
- Equity across diverse needs and budgets
- Clear visibility into all available options
For Faculty
- A platform that encourages thoughtful recommendations without enforcing restrictions
- A consistent, modern experience across all courses
- A streamlined adoption process focused on content quality—not format policing
For Institutions
- Alignment with accessibility best practices
- Reduction in student complaints and escalations
- Protection from unnecessary friction over availability or cost
VitalSource’s Commitment
Our mission is—and always has been—to empower learners. Preserving format choice is part of that mission. We will continue enhancing our platform to balance:
- instructional expertise,
- student learning autonomy, and
- institutional priorities.
Course materials are most effective when students can access them in the way that works best for them. VitalSource proudly supports that freedom.
Have Questions or Feedback?
We welcome conversation with partners who wish to better understand this approach or explore how Course Notes can support their instructional goals. Our team is here to help. Email Success@vitalsource.com to speak directly with our Customer Success team.