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VitalSource® Ebooks

VitalSource® is the preferred and most used ebook platform in higher education today, and the VitalSource Bookshelf® is the most advanced e-book software in the world. With VitalSource®, you get three-way access to your books: download, online, and mobile. Notes and highlights automatically stay in sync no matter where you take them (mobile requires online sync). In the library, at the computer lab, or even in a clinical setting, you can access your books when you need them — whether you brought your laptop or not.

SchweserNotes (Levels I, II, and III), Schweser’s Secret Sauce®, and Schweser’s QuickSheet are supplied as VitalSource® e-books (in addition to hard copy versions). The e-book provides access to your study materials in a digital format for use on a personal computer, Apple® mobile device (including iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch®), Android mobile device, and the Kindle Fire.

When you purchase a study package containing SchweserNotes, Secret Sauce®, or QuickSheet, you will get access to view the e-book versions of them online. You can also access and download them on up to two personal computers and up to two mobile devices.

Features of the SchweserNotes ebooks, Secret Sauce® ebook, and QuickSheet ebook include:

  • Electronic notes and highlighting: When you make notes and highlight sections, the changes are stored on the VitalSource® server, meaning they will be available if you access the e-book from another computer or device. Additionally, notes and highlights can be automatically synchronised between the web version of your products and your downloaded version (this requires that the computer containing your downloaded file be online). You can also share your notes and highlighted content.
  • Ability to export notes: You can copy/paste curriculum text and export your notes to a text file.
  • Advanced search function: You can search either a single volume of the SchweserNotes or every volume of the SchweserNotes for your exam level.
  • Flexible print options:  You can print up to two pages at a time.

When you purchase a study package containing an e-book product, you will receive an email with installation instructions and a unique registration code to activate your ebook. With a compatible browser, you will be able to access your ebooks via the internet at online.vitalsource.com or from a file you directly download.

Bookshelf Online Browser Support Policy

Download the VitalSource Bookshelf

The ebook version provides access to the curriculum in digital format for use on a personal computer, Apple® mobile device (including iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch®), Android mobile device, and the Kindle Fire. When you purchase a study package containing an ebook product, and it is assigned to your account, you will receive installation instructions and a unique registration code to activate your ebook.

2024 product access expires on the following dates:

  • February 2024 exam products: access expires on March 31, 2024
  • May 2024 exam products: access expires on June 30, 2024
  • August 2024 exam products: access expires on September 30, 2024
  • November 2024 exam products: access expires on December 31, 2024

2025 product access expires on the following dates:

  • February 2025 exam products: access expires on March 31, 2025
  • May 2025 exam products: access expires on June 30, 2025
  • August 2025 exam products: access expires on September 30, 2025
  • November 2025 exam products: access expires on December 31, 2025

Yes, there are some limitations to the mobile apps in comparison to the desktop version. Please see the important notes regarding your e-books on mobile devices.

  • The functionality of the mobile device app is limited in comparison to the personal computer version of the VitalSource Bookshelf® software. For example, notes and highlights are viewable, but users cannot make new notes from the app at this time. The app does, however, have search capabilities.
  • The ebooks are not optimised for mobile devices and, therefore, the text on mobile phones is very small. The app has zoom capability, but at the expense of easy navigation.
  • Use of the app will not affect your ability to download the e-book onto a personal computer. Students can download their SchweserNotes, Secret Sauce®, or QuickSheet to a maximum of two compatible mobile devices, in addition to two personal computers. Additionally, candidates can access the online version of the e-book through online.vitalsource.com from any compatible internet browser.
  • The app itself installs very quickly, but individual SchweserNotes books may take several minutes to download because of the large file sizes.
  • Users can only download their materials when WiFi access is available.

For immediate answers to common technical support issues, please review the VitalSource Video Tutorials for the answers to several common questions.

If you require further assistance, visit VitalSource Technical Support or contact the VitalSource Support line. They will connect you with a VitalSource Bookshelf® Expert who specialises in your exact question. The US-based support center is open 24/7 to accommodate your schedule.

  • PC: Latest Windows Version 6.9.2, Windows 7/8/8.1/10 (32/64 bit)
    • Microsoft .Net 4.5
    • DirectX 10 compatible graphics card
    • Internet Connection for registration and downloading of e-book
  • Mac:  Latest Mac Version 6.9, Mac OS X 10.8 or later
    • Internet Connection for registration and downloading of e-book
  • Apple: iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch using iOS 6.0 or greater
  • Android: Android 2.2–4.4
  • Kindle Fire: Kindle Fire 1, 2, HD, or HDX model

Try clicking ‘Update Book List’ in the ‘My Account’ section. If you continue to experience difficulties, please contact VitalSource Technical Support (refer to resources listed in Question 9).

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