Online Course Support
DART Support

DART eBook Program

The Day One Access to Resources and Text (DART) program is offered in selected National University courses, where students have immediate access to an embedded electronic textbook (eBook) for optional purchase.

To verify if your course has this feature enabled, please login to your SOAR Student Portal and view your list of required textbooks within your class schedule. 

For participating courses, to utilize this feature click into the ‘DART eBook’ link within the left-hand navigation menu of the course for additional information, eBook pricing, and eBook access.

As a best practice, we encourage you to create a VitalSource Bookshelf account where you may access reading materials from current and past courses. Please Click Here, or copy and paste the link below in your browser, and follow the instructions:

https://www.vitalsource.com/login

Please note- students have the option of obtaining required course materials on their own. To view course requirements, please visit your SOAR Student Portal.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Service Desk at servicedesk@nu.edu or call at (888) 628-1567.

Questions and Troubleshooting

What do I do if I get an error message when trying to access the DART eBook through my course?

According to VitalSource, please fulfill all of the following steps:

  1. Ensure that you have the most updated version of your browser
  2. Clear your browser cache (temporary internet files) and browser history
  3. Temporarily disable any pop-up blockers when accessing the eBook and "Always Allow" cookies.    
  4. Attempt to use another browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox)
  5. If you are using a mobile device or tablet, try using a desktop or laptop

Who do I contact for technical support for VitalSource Bookshelf?

Please contact VitalSource Customer Support at 1-855-200-4146 or visit their support page through the following link, https://support.vitalsource.com/hc/en-us. VitalSource support center is open 24/7 year-round to accommodate your schedule.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions about DART?

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Service Desk at servicedesk@nu.edu or call at (888) 628-1567.

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ)

I am not sure if I Opted-In. How can I check?

For your current course(s), you may check within the ‘DART eBook’ link located in the left-hand navigation menu. For past courses, please verify by accessing your VitalSource Bookshelf account. If you have previously opted-in to the title, the eBook title will be available to view.

For additional questions or concerns in checking your eBook status, please do not hesitate to contact Service Desk at servicedesk@nu.edu or call at (888) 628-1567.

I Opted-In to DART. Can I opt back out?

Yes, you have up until the fifth (5th) day from the official start date of the term to make your decision. Simply click on the DART eBook link again, then click "Opt-Out." for title(s) acordingly.

I already Opted-In to DART. Did I lose access?

No, please make sure that after you “Opt-In,” that you click “Read Now” within your course first. This will link your VitalSource Bookshelf account in order to access the eBook both online and offline. If you simply “Opt-In” then try to access your eBook through VitalSource Bookshelf, the title will not appear in your library.

How long will I have access to the eBook within my VitalSource Bookshelf account?

For all titles, you will have access to your eBook both online and offline for a minimum of 180 days from the date you first accessed the eBook.

Why does my eBook show that it is about to expire?

After the term's "Opt-Out" date (5th day of the term), if you remain in the course and are accessing your eBook from a mobile device through VitalSource Bookshelf, you will need to log into your course, navigate to your course, click on the DART eBook link in the left-hand navigation menu to access your eBook again and reactivate your license for the eBook

Do all my courses have DART enabled?

At this time, National University only offers this feature in select courses. These courses are determined by the Course Lead or Program Director.

Are there any costs associated with the DART eBook?

Yes, the price varies depending upon the course materials chosen by your instructor, but most DART eBook prices are lower than the cost to purchase the material directly through the publisher, and average 50% to 65% of the cost of the printed textbook.

For specific pricing information, please visit the ‘DART eBook’ link on the left-hand navigation menu, then click into the link titled ‘DART eBook (Click HERE for Access)’. The prices will be listed for each title.

I have seen my eBook available on separate websites for cheaper, can you explain why that is?

All prices listed are for a minimum of 180 day access, and in some cases up to three (3) years or lifetime, so when you see a cheaper price on a separate website it is likely is for a shorter access duration. However, publishers adjust prices regularly so we continually complete a market place analysis to ensure our prices remain competitive. If you notice a discrepancy in price for the same access duration, we encourage you to contact Service Desk or your advisor and they will notify the textbook department for additional review.

Can I access my eBook on my phone or tablet?

You can download and access your eBook onto two computers AND two mobile devices using the VitalSource Bookshelf app.

VitualSource Bookshelf Resources and Job Aids

We encourage you to visit your DART Student Portal to check eBook pricing and eBook availability.

Please note- students have the option of obtaining required course materials on their own. To view course requirements, please visit your SOAR Student Portal.

To view your DART Student Portal, please Click Here, or copy and paste the link below in your browser, and follow the instructions:

https://portal.verba.io/nu/login

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Service Desk at servicedesk@nu.edu or call at (888) 628-1567.

Who do I contact for technical support for VitalSource Bookshelf?

Please contact VitalSource Customer Support at 1-855-200-4146 or visit their support page through the following link, https://support.vitalsource.com/hc/en-us. VitalSource support center is open 24/7 year-round to accommodate your schedule.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions about DART?

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Service Desk at servicedesk@nu.edu or call at (888) 628-1567.

I am not sure if I Opted-In. How can I check?

Please Click Here, or copy and paste the following link, https://portal.verba.io/nu/login in your browser to visit your DART Student Portal to confirm your current status.

I Opted-In to DART. Can I opt back out?

Yes, you have up until the fifth (5th) day from the official start date of the term to make your decision. Simply click on the DART eBook link again, then click "Opt-Out." for title(s) acordingly.

Are there any costs associated with the DART eBook?

Yes, the price varies depending upon the course materials chosen by your instructor, but most DART eBook prices are lower than the cost to purchase the material directly through the publisher, and average 50% to 65% of the cost of the printed textbook.

For specific pricing information, please visit your DART Student Portal.

I have seen my eBook available on separate websites for cheaper, can you explain why that is?

All prices listed are for a minimum of 180 day access, and in some cases up to three (3) years or lifetime, so when you see a cheaper price on a separate website it is likely is for a shorter access duration. However, publishers adjust prices regularly so we continually complete a market place analysis to ensure our prices remain competitive. If you notice a discrepancy in price for the same access duration, we encourage you to contact Service Desk or your advisor and they will notify the textbook department for additional review.

Can I access my eBook on my phone or tablet?

You can download and access your eBook onto two computers AND two mobile devices using the VitalSource Bookshelf app.

Do all my courses have DART enabled?

At this time, National University only offers this feature in select courses. These courses are determined by the Course Lead or Program Director.

How long will I have access to the eBook within my VitalSource Bookshelf account?

For all titles, you will have access to your eBook both online and offline for a minimum of 180 days from the date you first accessed the eBook.

Why does my eBook show that it is about to expire?

After the term's "Opt-Out" date (5th day of the term), if you remain in the course and are accessing your eBook from a mobile device through VitalSource Bookshelf, you will need to log into your course, navigate to your course, click on the DART eBook link in the left-hand navigation menu to access your eBook again and reactivate your license for the eBook