We will use the term eBook throughout the Help Desk for consistency.
eBooks are digital versions of print textbooks, enhanced with features such as high-speed search and electronic note-taking. Some are downloadable, some are viewed /read through your browser.
These eBooks contain the same content as a print textbook. Many students find it easier to use an eBook rather than carry a print book, others still prefer print - it's all about having choices.
If an eBook is available for the title you are looking for, the option to add it to the cart appears. You choose the length of your subscription (on books you read online) depending on how long you need the book. If you choose anything other than Lifetime Access, you will only have access to the book for the amount of time specified. If the book is one that is downloaded, you have unlimited access.
You are emailed information on how to access your eBook as soon as your order has processed in our system. The eBooks is immediately available in your Online Bookstore account, under My eBookshelf.
Due to copyright restrictions, the eBooks we offer can only be accessed in the United States, its territories and military bases, and Canada.
Your Online Bookstore offers both VitalSource and eCampus.com eBooks. Please see below for more details on each.
Once you choose a Vital Source ebook from your Online Bookstore, it is immediately available on your account. There is a link from the Order Confirmation page to your eBook Library so you can begin reading. When you access your first VitalSource eBook, you are asked to create a unique username and password. Use this information to sign in to the VitalSource site each time you want to read this eBook. You can also access it at any time via your account at your Online Bookstore's website.
When you select a VitalSource eBook, you can access that book via your browser for the stated subscription period, typically matching the term of use (e.g. 180 days for 1 semester, 360 days for 2 semesters). During your subscription period you can search within the book, add notes and read the book.
Because you are reading via your browser, you can use any device. You can also check-out (temporarily download) the book to your computer for offline access (only on one device at a time).
There is no required software to use your VitalSource ebook unless you are using it on a mobile device. There is a free app if needed for that purpose.
VitalSource users may print up to ten (10) pages at one time from either the Online Version or the Downloadable Version of an eTextbook. Additionally, there is a limit of 150% of the total number of pages that you can print for each book. For instance, if the book contains 200 pages then you may print 300 pages. A dialogue box will appear when you have reached this 150% print page limit.
Once you purchase an eCampus.com ebook from your Online Bookstore, it is immediately available on your account.
1. Visit your Online BookstoreVitalSource and eCampus.com eBook purchases may be considered for a refund only when the purchase has been made within the previous 10 days and less than 20% of the content has been viewed or printed. Also, supplements that might be included with a new textbook purchase such as DVDs, CD ROMs, Study Guides, passkeys to alternate websites, etc, are usually not included when you select the eBook version of the text, so this would not be a reason for a return or refund. Contact our Customer Service department to ask if a refund may be possible.
eBook information sent via email which provides a redemption code or log-in information to a publisher website may be eligible for a refund only if we can verify the product has not been used and/or the publisher allows access to be removed or disabled. Contact our Customer Service department to ask if a refund may be possible.
iBooks are not returnable/refundable.
Printed access cards - if you are accessing an eBook after logging into a website using a code provided on a printed access card, that card is not refundable or returnable if the code has been exposed or scratched off or if the card has been opened. The card must be in the same New condition it was in when shipped to you and is subject to the same 30 day return period that applies to books.
Vendor ID for a Mac - sometimes there is a request for a vendor ID when accessing your ebook, please choose "eCampus".
Longer download times - keep the screen active and don't open/access any additional programs while the download is processing.