What is VitalSource Bookshelf?

VitalSource Bookshelf is an eTextbook platform that allows you to access course materials whenever and wherever you choose – online, laptop, desktop or mobile device. You can download eTextbooks directly or access them via your browser. The VitalSource platform is part of the UMBC Bookstore Course Materials Initiative, which begins in SP2016 with phase one.

Getting Started

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.

Vital Source Bookshelf & Accessibility

Vital Source provides several Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) documents for the Bookshelf application:

Both the Mac and Windows app as well as the iOS app can use text to speech to use VoiceOver to read an eTextbook to you. Please be aware that not all books may be able to be used with the VoiceOver feature due to the way some books are built by the publisher.

Review additional information on accessibility from Vital Source.

System Requirements

System requirements will vary depending on the version of Bookshelf you download to your device or machine. Please review the requirements before downloading and installing.

Additional Support

Account Management

Account and password issues must be directed to Vital Source support, not UMBC. If you need direct support from Vital Source, please open a web request.

Installing Bookshelf

How-To Videos

Support for Specific Bookshelf Apps