Frequently Asked Questions
What is Digital Textbook Access? Digital Textbook Access is the system used to provide the access and billing when an instructor uses digital content in their course. Access is provided through MyLearningSpace on the first day of class and the digital textbook access cost is billed to the student’s account after the 10th day of classes.
What are Interactive or Adaptive Courseware Platforms? Interactive courseware is much more than just an e-book. While platforms like Mastering, Mindtap and Connect typically include a full digital text, they have an added interactive content including videos, interactive quizzes, homework sets designed to make the reading more engaging. Various levels of customization are allowed in the event the instructor would like to share notes peer to peer.
How much does Digital Textbook Access cost? The publisher provides us with the lowest possible price for the digital resources. The pricing varies depending on the platform and content used by the instructor, but Digital Textbook Access prices are on average 40 – 55% lower the cost of a new printed text.
The process for accessing resources is different for the various resources and publishers. For publisher specific information, please refer to the Vendor section further down this page.
For Vital Source Bookshelf resources:
You will find access to the digital resources in your course on MyLearningSpace. The access and instructions are in the Content section.
Be sure to download your Digital Textbook, which is the required resource for your course. Follow these easy steps:
On the first day of class go to your course in MyLearningSpaceGo to the Content section of your courseFind and click on the link to the resourceCreate your Bookshelf account using your Laurier log in credentials and start using your required resources!Download the Bookshelf app to access the resources and printing features when you are working offline
How does the Bookshelf e-reader work? There are a number of advantages to using the Bookshelf e-reader:
Anytime, anywhere accessListen to your e-text using text-to-speech capabilitiesYou have the ability to load your e-text on up to four of your personal devicesPerpetual access through your personal devicesThe ability to print your e-text if you prefer hard copies (you have to claim/download your e-text in order to print
How do I obtain technical support for the Bookshelf e-reader? The Vitalsource support team is ready to assist you. Phone and email support are available 24/7Email support@vitalsource.comCall +1 (855) 200-4146If your course is not using the Bookshelf e-reader, contact digitaltextaccess@wlu.ca
What if I am a student from another institution (University of Waterloo) taking a Laurier course? It is the responsibility of all students (Laurier, University of Waterloo etc.) who are registered in a Laurier Digital Textbook Access course to monitor their @mylaurier.ca email account for information relating to their DTA course and opting out.
Charges for the digital resources will be applied to your Laurier LORIS account and must be paid through Laurier.
How do I pay for accessing the digital resources? The charges for the digital resources will be billed to your student account (LORIS) after the opt-out deadline. Students who opt out or drop the course by the opt-out deadline are not billed.
What does it mean to opt out?
I opted out by mistake and realized that I still need access. Can I opt back in? If you wish to opt back in after the opt out deadline, email digitaltextaccess@wlu.ca and you will be advised based on timing whether this is possible. If it is before the deadline, you can opt yourself back in through the student portal in the emails we have sent you or through the widget in MyLearningSpace.
I dropped the course. Do I still need to opt out? Students who drop the course during the normal drop period for the course will be automatically “opted out” and your student account will not be charged.
Who should I contact if I am having trouble accessing the online content? Please email the Digital Textbook Access team at digitaltextaccess@wlu.ca for assistance.
I added the class late. Do I still have 10 days to opt out? The deadline to opt out is the 10th day of instruction regardless of the add date. A welcome email is sent to your Laurier email account on the day you enrol in the course to inform you that you are in a digital textbook access course and to advise of the opt out deadline.
I didn't get an email about my course but other students in my class did. Was I sent an email? All students enrolled in courses associated with Digital Textbook Access receive a Welcome email and two subsequent emails with opt out information from the system, sent to their Laurier email address. If you have not received the email(s) please contact digitaltextaccess@wlu.ca.
I have further questions that were not addressed. Who do I contact? If your question wasn't answered in this FAQ, please email digitaltextaccess@wlu.ca and the Digital Textbook Access team will be happy to assist you.