Learning Services Cluster, Singapore University of Social Sciences

About eTextbook

The eTextbook is an electronic version of the physical textbook, which can be accessed from different devices (desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone) and across various operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows and Mac).

As a downloadable resource, it enables students to learn anytime, anywhere even when there is no network connectivity. In addition, the eTextbook is developed with interactive features that allow students to search for content using keywords, create highlights, take notes and share them with peers.

With the prevalent use of smartphones and the increasing number of users reading from their mobile devices, the eTextbook is one of the many initiatives that SUSS has adopted to make learning more flexible and socially engaging.

FAQs on eTextbook

Features of the eTextbook

Navigate and Search

This video will show tips on how to use Bookshelf, the process of reading, studying, and interacting with your eTextbook. Search function inside of your eTextbook allows you to search for information using keywords found in your eTextbook for your assignment or to do research.

Video (Mobile Devices)

Highlights and Notes

It is useful for you to highlight important concepts or information for easy retrieval. While notes taking function allows you to summarise or write your own reflection of the different sections in the eTextbook.

Video (Mobile Devices)

Share

This is useful when you want to share notes or questions with your classmates or instructors.

Copy and Paste Content

This allows you to easily copy content of your eTextbook that you might need in your note-taking or assignment preparation.

How do I download the eTextbook

Step 1: Log into your Canvas account using your student user ID (exclude @suss.edu.sg) and password.

Step 2: On your dashboard, select your course.

Step 3: Select iBookstore from the left navigation menu.

Step 4: Your course textbook is listed under Adopted eTextbook. Click on ‘Launch eTextbook’ to access it through the Bookshelf online.
If you are accessing Bookshelf for the first time, there will be a prompt to create a VitalSource account. Please use your SUSS email address for the account creation.

Step 5: Install the VitalSource Bookshelf app onto your device.

Step 6: Log into your device’s Bookshelf app using your VitalSource account. The cover image of the title launched in iBookstore will appear on the Home View. Click on the cover image to download it onto your device.
If the cover image did not appear, click on Refresh or Update Library (depending on device).

You can now read the eTextbook anytime, anywhere without internet connection.