Digital Content: Courseware vs. eBook
Many Access programs deliver digital content, and in Total Access models, digital delivery is often prioritized. During the adoption process, faculty select either a textbook or courseware for their course:
- eBook: If a digital version of the textbook is available, Follett will adopt an eBook for the course.
- Courseware: If you choose courseware that includes online homework, quizzes, or interactive tools, it must be integrated into the Learning Management System (LMS) or configured in partnership with the publisher for direct student access.
Please note: Links for Kortext eBooks and online courseware differ significantly, and faculty play an important role in ensuring proper setup within the LMS.
Types of Course Materials in Access Programs
Physical Materials
Physical textbooks—new, used, or rental—must be picked up from the campus bookstore or shipped upon request. When materials are ready for pickup, students receive a confirmation email from Follett.
If students drop a course or opt out of the Course Access or Total Access program, they must return physical materials to the campus bookstore to avoid additional charges.
Because these materials are physical, no digital links will appear in the LMS for these products.
BryteWave eBook
BryteWave is Follett’s digital eBook platform, providing students with convenient access to course materials online. BryteWave eBooks can be accessed directly through the BryteWave eReader or via links configured in your campus Learning Management System (LMS).
Student Access:
Students can log in at https://redshelf.com. They will receive an email containing:
- A link to their BryteWave Bookshelf
- A temporary password
Students should follow the link in the email or log in directly using the URL above and the temporary password provided. This email will come from BryteWave powered by RedShelf.
Setting Up BryteWave Links in Your LMS
As the course instructor, you can add a link to BryteWave Course Materials within your campus Learning Management System (LMS). This link is typically placed in a module or content area, depending on the LMS platform your institution uses.
Detailed instructions for integrating BryteWave into your LMS are available in additional support articles.
Once added, the link may appear as:
As the instructor of record for a course with a BryteWave adoption, you will also receive a copy of the BryteWave eBook. Your experience will mirror that of your students, with the only difference being that you will receive your email and access to your bookshelf earlier than your students.
For a detailed overview of the student experience with BryteWave eBooks, please refer to the BryteWave Student Experience article.
Courseware and Online Homework Products
Courseware refers to digital learning products designed for interactive engagement, such as online homework systems and virtual lab environments. These platforms require students to complete assignments, quizzes, and tasks within a digital interface. Common examples include Pearson MyLab, Cengage MindTap, and McGraw Hill Connect.
Traditionally, outside of Follett Access programs, these products are distributed as physical access codes packaged with textbooks or sold directly by publishers online.
Delivery in Course Access and Total Access Programs
Under Course Access and Total Access models, courseware can be delivered and accessed in several ways:
- Codeless Access via LMS: Students access courseware directly through the Learning Management System (LMS) without entering a code.
- Activation Code Required: Some products require an activation code, which may be delivered digitally (via email or BryteWave code reveal) or as a physical code available for pickup at the campus store.
Instructor Responsibilities
All courseware products—such as MyLab, WileyPLUS, Connect, LaunchPad, and MindTap—require instructors to:
- Build or configure the course within the publisher’s platform.
- Provide students with clear instructions or links for accessing the product.
These platforms typically include auto-graded quizzes, tests, and assignments, and most also provide access to a digital textbook for reading assignments.
Courseware Types