Library Assist: Answers

There is currently no way to use your University email address to login to the VitalSource 'Bookshelf' app. If you see a VitalSource 'Sign In' prompt please ignore it.

Please do not create your own VitalSource account with your University email as this will not link to the Library subscription properly. 

It is possible to login to all versions of the App without having to enter an email address and password.

For mobile devices and tablets, please use your camera to read the QR code displayed when you are in your online Bookshelf. More details in the section below.

For Windows machines, please follow the step-by-step route below.

The desktop app is also available for Mac and Chromebook; we have been unable to test logging in on these machines so cannot provide detailed instructions. Therefore please try the same route as described for Windows machines (but choosing the relevant icon) and see if it works!

How to login to the app on a mobile or tablet

It is best to download the app on your device from your usual app store first.

1. Go into a VitalSource book from your reading list or the LibrarySearch catalogue, to get into the online version of your Bookshelf.
2. Click on the 'Home' link in the left hand menu to get the home screen up.
3. Click on the link to 'Download the bookshelf app'.
4. The main part of the screen should have a message about 'Log in instantly!' with a QR code alongside.
5. Open your app and click the 'Use QR code' option.
6. Scan the QR code.
7. This should then open the app without asking you to sign in.

How to login to the windows desktop app

It is best to download and install the app from the Microsoft store first, then:

1. Go into a VitalSource book from your reading list or the LibrarySearch catalogue, to get into the online version of your Bookshelf.
2. Click on the 'Home' link in the left hand menu to get the home screen up.
3. Click on the link to 'Download the bookshelf app'.
4. Click on the Windows icon at the bottom of the page.
5. Ignore the message about "Launching app on your device" if it pops up first...
6. When you see another message about "Open VitalSource Bookshelf" click to open it.
7. This should then open the windows app without asking you to sign in.

How many devices can I use the App on?

VitalSource allows you to have 2 computers and 2 mobile/tablet devices activated at any given time.