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E-books: Accessing and Using

This guide shows you how to use each of the different kinds of E-books available at the CR Library

How can I get my textbooks?

Some of the major textbook publishers are offering students free access to online versions of current textbooks for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic, or until the publishers decide to change this policy. There is no one single clearinghouse or database that you can search to find any textbook. Some of these sites may have one of your texts while another site might have a different text. We've tried to check into these sites, but you'll need to check for yourself as things are changing rapidly.

Vital Source Registration

VitalSource

Make a VitalSource Account
VitalSource is providing temporary free textbook access through May 25th, 2020. You can access up to 7 free online textbooks.

Registration Instructions:

  1. Go to https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com and create a VitalSource account using your College of the Redwoods email address. You must use your CR email address to get access to this resource.
  2. Check your email account for a verification email.
  3. Click the link in your email to finish signing up.
  4. Once you're signed in, click on the link for your book, or search for your book in the search bar at the top of the screen.
  5. Click on the picture of the book, and then click "borrow."
  6. You'll see a notification that reads "This book has been added to My Library." Click "Open Book" to read your book. There are options to print, bookmark, and virtually highlight the pages. There is also an app available, which you can learn about on the site.
  7. You're all set! Just log in to your account whenever you need access to your textbook.

 

Need help? Watch the Getting Started With Bookshelf video or check the VitalSource Bookshelf Support page for more information.

Red Shelf Registration

RedShelf

Make a RedShelf Account
RedShelf is providing temporary free textbook access through May 25th, 2020. You can access up to 7 free online textbooks. 

Registration Instructions:

  1. Go to https://studentresponse.redshelf.com and make an account using your College of the Redwoods email address. You must use your CR email address to get access to this resource.
  2. Check your CR email account for a verification email.
  3. Click the link in your email to finish signing up.
  4. Once you're signed in, click on the link for your book, or search for it in the search bar at the top of the screen.
  5. When you see your book, click "View Details."
  6. Click "Add to My Shelf" and you will be redirected to your "My Shelf."
  7. Click "Start Reading" and the book will open up in your online browser. There are options to print, download portions of the book, bookmark, and highlight the pages.
  8. You're all set! Just log in to your account whenever you need access to your textbook.

 

Need help? Watch the RedShelf Tutorial Videos or check the RedShelf Solve page for more information.