SDSU Textbook Guide

First Day Access (FDA) converts physical course materials into instantly accessible, interactive and adaptive digital content. Student accounts are charged up front for FDA materials, and payment is due at the same time as tuition and fees.

There are two types of FDA resources; eTextbooks and Courseware

eTextbooks: To access regular eTextbooks, students login to D2L, enter the course, navigate to the blue Course Tools button and look for VitalSource. When students search for textbooks on Jackrabbit Central, FDA eTextbooks will be designated by (First Day Access) at the end of the textbook name.*

Courseware: Common Courseware options include Achieve, Connect, ALEKS 360 and MindTap. Instructors will need to provide access instructions and links in syllabus. Access is typically achieved by visiting your course’s D2L Content with a link added by the instructor that goes to the publisher’s website, although a handful of resources published by Pearson or SAGE Vantage may integrate their materials with VitalSource. When students search for textbooks on Jackrabbit Central, Courseware resources will be designated by Courseware (First Day Access) at the end of the textbook name.*

Students enrolled in courses with FDA receive an email one week before classes begin with instructions for accessing their course materials as well as information about opting out.

First Day Access Opt-Out Information

• Students who opt out will receive an opt-out confirmation email.
• After the deadline passes, students cannot opt out.
• The bookstore sends a list of all opt-outs to the Cashier’s Office the day after the deadline. For spring 2026, whether a student opts out on Jan. 5 or Jan. 21, the change will not appear on their bill until Jan. 22 and no later than Jan. 26.

Accessing Previously Used First Day Access Books

If students are looking for a First Day Access book previously used in another course, they can log into Bookshelf VitalSource using their student email. They can also check their previous “Do Not Delete” email to confirm the book’s access duration, which may range from 180 days to lifetime access.

Digital Content

Digital Content (DC) books are digital titles purchased through the Jackrabbit Central website. When students check out, they will have the option to purchase their book with a credit card or to have the cost of the textbook billed to their account.

Once students order or purchase these books from the bookstore, they will receive a confirmation email, which includes the link for the book and confirmation that their order has been shipped.

When students search for textbooks on Jackrabbit Central, Digital Content resources will be designated by (DC) at the end of the textbook name.* Students may also have the option to purchase these textbooks as FDA books, in which case those options will be grouped in the Preferred Partner section and identified as VitalSource Ebooks.

Example: ENGL 101 requires The St. Martin’s Handbook through First Day Access. Instructors do not want to charge students again for ENGL 201 if they already purchased the FDA book for ENGL 101.

Physical Access Codes

Textbooks and course materials that are not available through the options above may require a physical access code. When students search for textbooks on Jackrabbit Central, these resources can be identified by the words ACCESS CODE before the title.*

Physical Textbooks

Physical textbooks have no identifier included in the textbook title. Students should follow the steps under Ordering Textbooks for ordering and retrieving physical textbooks.

Lab Manuals and Course Packs

Lab manuals and course packs are custom materials created by instructors. According to textbook policy, they must be sold only through the bookstore, instructors cannot add a margin over 50% of the printing cost and the bookstore adds 15% to the cost.

*Indicators about how to access textbooks will also be included on the list of textbooks available to students through the My Textbooks portlet on MyState. Below is an example.

Textbooks from Hilton M. Briggs Library

The library provides e-textbooks for some courses at no cost to students. Using the textbook list from the SDSU bookstore, library staff identify books that can be purchased as ebooks and that allow multiple users. Faculty members teaching courses where ebooks are available are consulted prior to the library purchasing the books. If the faculty member supports the library’s purchase of the textbook, they are provided with a link to access the text. The faculty members then share the link with their students. Links to e-textbooks are typically shared with students through D2L or via email. These textbooks can also be found using Quick Search from the library’s webpage.

Copies of some print textbooks are available from the library. These will either be available from the Reserve Collection at the Library Services Desk near the entrance to the building or in the library’s circulating collection. Faculty typically direct their students to the library to use textbooks and other course materials. Location and call number for these items can be found using Quick Search from the library’s webpage.

Students can contact the library’s chat reference service for assistance with e-textbooks or print textbooks. The service is staffed from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday. In addition, chat reference is staffed some weekends and all Monday holidays during the semester (Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays and Monday holidays from 1-9 p.m.). Library staff can also provide help in person or via phone (608-688-5107) any time that the library is open. Library hours are available here.

Open Educational Resources (OER)

Faculty members are increasingly adopting open educational resources (OER) for courses. These may be freely available and accessible textbooks or other types of materials. Students will be provided with details about OER from their faculty members.

Students who purchase non-First Day Access textbooks and course materials through SDSU must do so through the bookstore's website, Jackrabbit Central.

When placing an order, students may choose:

• Shipping
• In‑store pickup

To ensure an in-store pickup order is ready, students should place their order at least one day before they plan to pick it up.

After Ordering

Students will receive two emails:

1. Order Confirmation Email – includes the order number
2. Processing Email – tells students whether their order has been shipped or is ready for in-store pickup

Where to Pick Up Textbooks

Textbooks are now available in the bookstore basement to improve customer service and efficiency.

How to Get There

1. Enter the bookstore.
2. Walk back toward the back left area of the bookstore.
3. Look for a small hallway (on the left) with stairs leading down to the basement.
4. Follow the signs to the Textbook Pickup Area.

What to Bring

To pick up a textbook order, students must show:

• Their order number (from the confirmation email)
• Their student ID