ACCESS Instructor FAQ

Faculty select and submit the course materials they want to use. VitalSource sources the materials in physical and digital formats.

When a student registers for classes, their books are automatically ordered. Physical textbooks are shipped for free, and students receive email access information for digital materials.

The $22 per credit hour fee is then added to their account and can be covered by financial aid if available. If they have a tuition payment plan, their book costs are included, and they pay for them across the semester.

Students who want to opt out of the ACCESS program can do so starting three weeks before the semester starts until 10 academic days into the semester.

Yes. If they opt-out, they will need to purchase textbooks at current retail or resale prices from the online Student Choice bookstore or an outlet of their choice. They can also easily opt back in. They can view the list of required materials by logging into their personalized webpage.

If students don’t opt out, student accounts will be charged $22 per credit hour.

No, this program is all-in or all-out for each term/semester.

No. You select the content you feel is best. The only adjustment may be the date adoptions are due.

No. This program does not limit textbook or format choices. VitalSource sources both physical and digital texts. The format often depends on the selected items and their availability.

Yes. All course material adoptions are supported. You are not required to change your content.

Go to the VitalSource website and log in. You’ll see the courses you are scheduled to teach or oversee. Using the search tool, type an ISBN or title, then follow the steps to add details and submit it to VitalSource. You can also message Iowa Valley's client success manager through the website if you have special textbook settings or requests.

Faculty retain academic freedom. You select the materials you feel are best for your class, including traditional textbooks, OER materials, or non-textbook items. Digital materials can be more affordable and provide students with immediate access. The VitalSource website and client success manager can also provide tools, analysis, and information so faculty can review textbook costs before adoption.

Adoptions are due 90 days (about 3 months) before the start of each term. For VitalSource to deliver all print and digital materials to students on the first day of class, faculty must submit adoptions on time. From there, VitalSource reviews them to ensure the materials are available and the lowest cost formats are sourced. If there are any availability issues, similar titles, or alternative formats, alternative materials may be suggested.

Yes, you can indicate that by submitting the Physical Adoptions Forms document. Once it is approved by an administrator, VitalSource will deliver the item(s) in physical formats.

If you’ve created materials that include selections of traditional texts, library resources, PowerPoint slides, etc., you can submit those through the Marketing Portal as a print request, and they will be provided as a course pack.

All required course materials, designated by the faculty member, are covered.