Digital Resource Materials FAQs
Navigate to your desired question below:
How do I access my eBook?
How long do I have my eBook for?
Which duration should I choose for my eBook?
Can I return my eBook for a refund?
What is the difference between eBooks purchased from RedShelf and VitalSource?
What is the difference between eBooks and courseware?
Why does the eBook I purchased not allow me to access my homework?
Why does the courseware I bought only show a book cover?
Does the courseware product include the eBook?
How do I access my Courseware?
What if I no longer need my digital material?
Why are there so many options available on the “Buy My Books” compare screen?
Which eBook / courseware is needed for my class?
Am I buying my digital material from Cedarville?
Can I use an eBook for my class instead of a physical book?
Can I print from my eBook?
Can I use my eBook after my class ends?
How do I access my eBook?
Accessing your eBook may look different depending on which company you purchased it from. The two primary companies used at Cedarville are RedShelf and VitalSource. If you aren’t sure which company you’ve purchased your eBook from, check your email for a purchase receipt. If the receipt comes from the Cedarville Campus Store, look beneath eBook item line for a URL to follow.
For a RedShelf eBook, visit https://cubookstore.redshelf.com/. If you have not already, create an account using your Cedarville email address. Once logged in, select your username at the top right and choose “My Shelf” from the dropdown. If you don’t see your eBook on your shelf, you may still need to redeem your eBook code. If you don’t know where to find your eBook code, check your email for a purchase receipt. If the receipt comes from the Campus Store, look below the eBook item line for your redemption code. Once you have your code, select the blue “Redeem RedShelf Access Code” text at the top right of your shelf. Enter the purchase code and hit “Redeem” – you’ve now registered your eBook to your RedShelf account!
For a VitalSource eBook, visit https://cedarville.vitalsource.com/ and log in. If you have not already, create an account using your Cedarville email address. Once logged in, select [YOUR NAME]’s Bookshelf at the top right. Once you have accessed your bookshelf, you can go to your library to view your redeemed titles. If you don’t see your eBook in your library, you may still need to redeem your eBook code. If you don’t know where to find your eBook code, check your email for a purchase receipt. If the receipt comes from the Campus Store, look below the eBook item line for your redemption code. Once you have your code, select the “Redeem Code” option, enter the purchase code, and hit “Redeem” – you’ve now registered your eBook to your VitalSource library!
How long do I have my eBook for?
Digital titles are often sold with a limited duration. Once the allotted time passes you will lose access to your eBook and must purchase it again to regain access. Keep in mind that there are often multiple duration options available when purchasing eBooks. Typically, longer durations sell for higher prices. If you aren’t sure which duration you purchased, you should be able to see this information on the provider’s website in your digital library.
Which duration should I choose for my eBook?
In most cases, you will not need access to your eBook beyond the conclusion of your class. The most common duration available is 180-days which equates roughly to 6 months. However, if you wish to retain access to your digital material after your course ends, you may choose a longer duration.
Can I return my eBook for a refund?
Depending on the company you used, your purchase date, and the material’s format, you may be eligible for a refund. You can read more about each company’s refund policy using the links below:
VitalSource: https://cedarville.vitalsource.com/refund-policy
RedShelf: https://www.about.redshelf.com/refund-policy
What is the difference between eBooks purchased from RedShelf and VitalSource?
Both RedShelf and VitalSource are independent digital resource companies. While they often carry the same publisher products, some materials are exclusive to one company, and other materials may not be available through either. Both companies offer separate libraries, pricing, durations, eReader software, and return policies. Be sure to verify the material you are purchasing matches what is required for your class.
What is the difference between eBooks and courseware?
Generally, eBooks only contain a digital format of written materials. Courseware may include interactive assignments, videos, tests, and more. If you aren’t sure which is needed for your class, check your syllabus, contact your instructor, or visit the Textbook Help Desk for more information.
Why does the eBook I purchased not allow me to access my homework?
Companies like VitalSource and RedShelf may list related materials next to ones that you are searching for. Occasionally, they will list eBooks alongside courseware. If your class requires courseware, an eBook alone will not be sufficient. Check to see if the format your purchased matches the format required for your course. If you purchased an eBook by mistake, review the company’s return policy to see if you qualify for a refund.
Why does the courseware I bought only show a book cover?
Sometimes digital resource companies like RedShelf and VitalSource cannot sell a direct link to a publisher’s courseware. In this case, they will often provide you with a secondary redemption code to use directly on the publisher’s website. (Note that this code will be different from the one used on Redshelf’s or VitalSource’s website.) Search your digital library for the courseware you purchased and view its details. Look for a “Reveal Access Code” button. Be aware that many companies will not allow returns of digital products once the access code is revealed. Always make sure you have purchased the correct material before revealing the access code. Once revealed, copy your new access code and follow the provided link to the publisher’s website. Log in or create an account and navigate to the publisher’s redemption portal. If you are unsure how to find the publisher’s redemption portal, try accessing a courseware assignment within your Canvas course. The publisher will likely ask for payment information or a valid redemption code. Paste in the secondary code you revealed in your RedShelf or VitalSource library.
Sometimes publishers require you to sign in before accessing the courseware. If you do not already have an account with the publisher, create one using your Cedarville email address and try accessing your courseware assignment once again. You should now have access to your courseware.
Does the courseware product include the eBook?
Most courseware will include a copy of their companion eBook. However, not all courseware has an accompanying title associated with it. Therefore, it is always a good idea to confirm the eBook’s inclusion with the publisher before making a purchase.
How do I access my Courseware?
If you have purchased courseware from VitalSource or RedShelf, you may need to reveal a secondary, publisher-specific access code. Search your digital library for the courseware you purchased and view its details. Look for a “Reveal Access Code” button. Be aware that many companies will not allow returns of digital products once the access code is revealed. Always make sure you have purchased the correct material before revealing the access code. Once revealed, copy your new access code and enter it into the publisher’s redemption portal. If you are unsure how to find the publisher’s redemption portal, try accessing a courseware assignment within your Canvas course. The publisher will likely ask for payment information or a valid redemption code. Paste in the secondary code you revealed in your RedShelf or VitalSource library.
Sometimes publishers require you to sign in before accessing the courseware. If you do not already have an account with the publisher, create one using your Cedarville email address and try accessing your courseware assignment once again. You should now have access to your courseware.
What if I no longer need my digital material?
If you no longer need your digital material, check the provider’s return policy. You may qualify for a refund. However, if you are outside the return parameters, your digital material will eventually expire, and your access will terminate. If you opted to purchase a material with lifetime access you will retain your access and be able to access it through the digital resource provider’s website as long as the product is supported and the provider is still operational.
Why are there so many options available on the “Buy My Books” compare screen?
Digital materials are often sold in varying durations, languages, and formats. The price of the material may depend on how long you retain access, or if the material includes supplementary resources such as interactive assignments, videos, or tests. If you aren’t sure which is needed for your class, check your syllabus, contact your instructor, or visit the Textbook Help Desk for more information.
Which eBook / courseware is needed for my class?
Requirements differ from course to course and sometimes depend on the assigned instructor. If you aren’t sure which is needed for your class, try checking your syllabus, contacting your instructor, or visiting the Textbook Help Desk for more specific information on your required materials.
Am I buying my digital material from Cedarville?
While Cedarville does sell a handful of digital materials, most of the electronic resources required for classes come from the publishers who own the intellectual properties (i.e. Pearson, McGraw Hill, Cengage, etc.) Digital Resource Providers such as RedShelf or VitalSource are authorized to distribute many of these publications as well. The Cedarville Campus Store partners with publishers and digital resource providers to provide the necessary materials to Cedarville’s students.
Can I use an eBook for my class instead of a physical book?
At Cedarville University, you are free to use whichever format you prefer. However, there are some circumstances where electronic resources and devices are not permitted in the classroom. If you have questions about your in-class prohibitions, check your syllabus or contact your instructor for more information.
Can I print from my eBook?
Print permissions for electronic intellectual property are regulated by the copyright owner, the content publisher. It is possible that you may be granted certain personal-use permissions, but always be sure to check with the copyright owner to comply with any regulations.
For RedShelf print permissions, visit https://solve.redshelf.com/hc/en-us/articles/15336669478939-How-to-Print
For VitalSource print permissions, visit https://support.vitalsource.com/hc/en-us/articles/4404283927703-Bookshelf-eTextBook-Printing
Can I use my eBook after my class ends?
Because your digital bookshelf is separate from your course’s Canvas page, you should still be able to gain access even after your course has ended. However, keep in mind that digital titles are often sold with a limited duration. Once the allotted time passes you will lose access to your eBook or courseware and must purchase it again to regain access. If you aren’t sure which duration you purchased, you should be able to see this information on the provider’s website in your digital library.