Even though our libraries are physically closed, access to e-resources is unaffected and Library staff are here to help you make the most of our service.

Earlier this week we told you about our list of additional e-resources made available temporarily by publishers, in support of online teaching, learning and research during the COVID-19 outbreak.

In today’s post we would like to highlight VitalSource Helps, a scheme that provides online access to selected textbooks for users who are currently unable to borrow print materials.

VitalSource is an approved third-party e-book provider and the range of publishers taking part in the scheme includes the American Psychological Association, Elsevier, Springer Nature, Taylor and Francis and others.

Students can create a bookshelf within VitalSource and select up to 7 textbooks from the range of participating publishers. When creating a personal account with VitalSource, make sure to use your University of Aberdeen email address but not your University of Aberdeen password.

Please also note that some of the textbooks accessible via this scheme may also be available through existing Library subscriptions or via alternative temporary access providers. Check Primo and other temporary resource providers before selecting and saving your 7 titles to your VitalSource Bookshelf.

For further information on accessing and using VitalSource Helps, please see the relevant entry on our updates page: bit.ly/COVID-19LibraryUpdates