How do I download my VitalSource eTextbooks?
VitalSource e-textbooks can be accessed through Blackboard courses, the My Blackboard dashboard, or an individual device if the eTextbook has been downloaded by the user. The VitalSource platform is part of the UMBC Bookstore Course Materials Initiative, which began in SP2016 with phase one.
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If you would like to read your eTextbooks outside of Blackboard and offline, you will need to download them to an authorized device. You can identify up to 2 desktop/laptop devices and up to 2 mobile devices. VitalSource supports Windows and Mac as well as iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire.
Go to the VitalSource downloads page to access the software links.
Choose the correct application for your device.
After you have downloaded and installed the application, please launch it.
At the sign in prompt, please sign in with your existing email address and password.
Please use the email address you used when you completed your VitalSource account.
Remember: VitalSource is separate from UMBC's systems – if you cannot remember your password, reset it here.
After you sign in, you will be prompted to begin downloading your eTextbooks. You can choose to download now or cancel and download later.
To download your eTextbooks later, simply double-click on the title and accept the dialogue box. Your download will begin.
REMEMBER: Do not create a new account if you've already created and synchronized one through UMBC's Blackboard link. If you create a new account, you will not be able to view your eTextbooks. If you do end up creating a new account, you will need to contact VitalSource support to have your accounts merged together.