Adding the VitalSource Materials tab to Canvas course navigation

VitalSource Bookshelf is accessed via the course navigation menu in Canvas. The menu item is labeled VS Materials. Previously UMKC could only deploy VitalSource Bookshelf through Modules. Instructors may still do so, but now have the option to add the tool Course Navigation.

This link will display all of a user's courses with any VitalSource books they may be using, along with cards displaying other AutoAccess materials for other courses. Students will see opt-out buttons on these during the opt-out period. The  link will also give students access to their campus's textbook catalog. Because of the opt-out function, it should be deployed in any class using AutoAccess texts or course materials to help comply with Federal regulations. 

Contact teachingtools@umsystem.edu if you have questions about the changes.

1. If the link does not appear in your course's Navigation, select Settings.
2. Select the Navigation tab.
3. Locate VS Materials in the lower portion of the Navigation tab and drag it to the desired location in the upper portion (See Fig. 1).
   Figure 1: changing course navigation menu
4. Select Save.
5. The first time you access a textbook in VitalSource, you will need to accept the Terms and Privacy agreement and will be asked to log in to VitalSource or register with your email address and create a password. Normally your email address should be your campus account, though it is not required. The password should not be the same one you use to log in to campus systems. This is required only for instructors. 

Tips

• If you wish to move link within Course Navigation, repeat steps 1–3 and drag the tab to the desired place in the menu, then click Save.
• To remove this tab from your course, in step 3, just drag VS Materials to the lower portion of Course Navigation, then select Save.
• Use the Student View to test the link for students.
• If students report problems using their VitalSource text on their phone or tablet, suggest they download the VitalSource Bookshelf app.
• If you wish to create a link to VS Materials in a module, you may add it as an External Tool item. In the External Tool menu, choose the link and also to Open in a New Tab. Please contact teachingtools@umsystem.edu if you have questions or wish to further modify the link in a module.

If you encounter technical difficulties, please contact teachingtools@umsystem.edu

VitalSource Bookshelf campus and vendor resources