VitalSource and RedShelf join forces to meet growing demand for digital course materials

E-textbook provider, VitalSource has acquired Chicago-based course materials distributor RedShelf, expanding its network of institutional and publisher partners

VitalSource says the deal will drive affordability, providing additional scale and talent to its operations, while advancing the company’s long-term plan to simplify the course content ecosystem.

A shift to digital models, expanded access and subscription models and the proliferation of AI-powered tools have transformed the course materials market in recent years. VitalSource says combining its efforts with RedShelf’s will increase speed-to-market and strengthen support for partners through this rapidly changing market.

“We’re witnessing unprecedented change across higher education. Meeting the evolving needs of students, instructors, institutions, campus stores, and publishers requires deep investment only made possible by scale and stability,” explains Kent Freeman, CEO of VitalSource. “We have long admired the RedShelf team, and we’re thrilled to combine efforts to deliver tomorrow’s technology to our shared partner network.”  

“Over the years, we developed a deep respect for VitalSource’s leadership in the industry and found our teams increasingly aligned in vision, values, and purpose,” Rob Holland, CEO of RedShelf adds.

“As we explored how to best serve our customers now and, in the future, VitalSource stood out as the partner who could amplify our mission. We’re confident that this move brings our community the innovation, stability, and student-first focus they deserve.”