Engage - eReader Transition to VitalSource [UPDATED]

Posted: 2026-05-05 15:12:34   Expiration: 2026-12-31 18:30:00

VitalSource recently purchased RedShelf, the vendor of the eReader previously used for Engage eTexts. Because of this, the Engage eReader was transitioned to VitalSource's eReader on Friday, May 15 (from 9:30-10:30 AM). Most users will find the overall reading experience familiar, and all Engage digital materials continue to integrate seamlessly with Canvas. However, there are some differences in features and workflows that instructors and students should review before the start of the fall semester.

Getting Started

Basic and advanced functionality can be reviewed for the eReader in our Engage Overview document. Otherwise, Unizin has created an eReader User Guide.

Key features include:

• Highlighting and note-taking
• Downloading content for offline reading
  • The process for downloading content for offline use has changed; offline versions of eTexts need to be added to the VitalSource Bookshelf app.
• Printing (or printing to PDF)
• Creating flashcards from notes
• Changing display preferences

Important Changes to be Aware Of

Some important things to note:

• Students will not lose access to any eTexts purchased in previous semesters. They will be accessed by the same methods as they are currently.
• Highlights and notes will need to be recreated. If you have a lot of notes, we can work with VitalSource to get a print out of them. Please reach out to the DoIT Help Desk to initiate this request.
• Unizin is still working on getting the analytics feed set up correctly. Until they're able to complete this work, the Reading Insights dashboard will be unavailable.
• The VitalSource eReader requires 3rd party cookies to be enabled in order to work correctly (and for Safari users, there's an additional setting that needs to be toggled); more information about this can be found in this Unizin article.

Accessing eTexts in the new eReader

Some notes on accessing your eText from Canvas:

• Upon opening an eText in the VitalSource eReader, you will need to accept the VitalSource Terms of Use - this will only need to be completed once, when the eReader is accessed for the first time.

  

• You may also see a "Welcome to Unizin!" pop up that provides some additional information about features in the eReader.

  

• On the last slide, you can Learn More or Get Started - clicking Learn More will bring up all of the navigation options in the eReader. 

  

  You can access this screen again at any point by clicking Help in the More Options menu and selecting Reader Overview.

If you have any issues accessing your eTexts or navigating the new eReader, please reach out to the DoIT Help Desk for further assistance.

Getting Support

Support and documentation can be found in this KnowledgeBase document. Accessibility information can be reviewed here.

-- Learn@UW: Rhianna Campbell