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VitalSource Technologies LLC Terms and Conditions of Use

VitalSource Technologies LLC Privacy Policy

VitalSource Technologies LLC Cookies Policy

VitalSource Technologies LLC Cookies Policy

Effective Date and Last updated: October 28, 2024

1. Introduction

This website (the “Site”) is operated by VitalSource Technologies LLC and its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, agents, representatives, consultants, employees, officers, and directors, including our affiliate VST Limited (UK) (collectively, “VitalSource,” “we,” “us”, “our” or other similar expressions). VitalSource provides services that relate to digital course materials and eTextbooks. We are a company based in North Carolina. For more information visit our About Us page.

This policy explains how VitalSource uses cookies and related technologies when you visit or use our Site or Services, including any of our desktop applications, mobile applications, communications, websites (such as https://www.vitalsource.com and https://www.bookshelf.vitalsource.com), any VitalSource owned web retail store, our products known as Bookshelf, Bookshelf Online, VitalSource Engagement Dashboard, VitalSource and Bookshelf mobile applications, Intrepid Discover Platform, Intrepid Learn Platform, Acrobatiq Platform, reader software, digital content, other products controlled owned or licensed by VitalSource, and any other products or services that include a link to this Policy (collectively, the “Services”). In this Cookie Policy, any use of the words "you," "yours," or similar expressions refers to users of this Site and our Services, as well as any other individuals whose information we collect and process.

We use cookies and related technologies to operate, improve, and protect our Site and Services. We ask that you read this Cookie Policy carefully as it contains important information on our use of cookies or similar technologies on our Site. This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which explains how and why we collect, store, use and share personal information, and our Terms and Conditions of Use.

2. Our Site

This Cookie Policy only relates to your use of our websites listed above (the “Site”). Throughout our Site we may link to or embed content and features from other websites owned and operated by third parties who may also use cookies or similar technologies in accordance with their own separate privacy and cookie policies. We do not control these third-party websites and associated cookies. We encourage you to read the privacy notices of these sites to understand their privacy practices and your options. VitalSource is not responsible for the content on other websites.

3. What Cookies Are

A cookie is a small file that is placed onto your device (e.g., computer, smartphone, or other electronic device) that stores information when you visit a website. Pixel tags (also called web beacons, clear gifs, or tags) are a similar technology that consists of small images or snippets of code that can allow the website to function and can help the website owners understand how you interact with websites and emails.

4. Why We Use Cookies

VitalSource uses cookies and related technologies on our Site to help us recognize your device as a repeat visitor, and enable certain Site features and functionalities. Some of this data will be aggregated or statistical, which means that we will not be able to identify you individually.
Specifically, we use cookies and other similar technologies on this Site:

  • Recognize you whenever you visit this Site (this speeds up your access so you do not have to log in each time);
  • Support security and authentication features on our Site;
  • Obtain information about your preferences and use of our Site;
  • Carry out research and statistical analysis to help improve our content, products, and services, and to help us better understand our users’ requirements;
  • Improve the speed and performance of our Site and Services;
  • Make your online experience more enjoyable and efficient, and to keep our advertising relevant to your interests; and
  • Keep track of the items stored in your shopping cart and take you through the checkout process.

5. Types of Cookies

Cookies are typically classified as either “session cookies,” which do not stay on your device after you close your browser, or “persistent cookies,” which will usually remain on your device until you delete them from your cache, or they expire. Sometimes cookies are placed by us (“first-party cookies”) and sometimes they are placed by others (“third-party cookies”).

The cookies that we place on your device may include:

  • Essential cookies: these cookies are essential for you to be able to navigate our Site and use its features. Without these cookies, the services you have asked for could not be provided.
  • Performance cookies: these cookies collect information about how you use our Site, for example, which pages you go to most often. These cookies do not collect personally identifiable information about you. All information collected by these cookies is aggregated and anonymous, and is only used to improve how our Site works.
  • Functionality cookies: these cookies allow our Site to remember the choices you make (such as your user name, language, last action, and search preferences) and provide enhanced, more personal features. The information collected by these cookies is anonymous and cannot track your browsing activity on other websites.
  • Marketing cookies: also known as advertising cookies, these cookies are used to deliver advertisements more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement on our Site and help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. This is sometimes referred to as online behavioral advertising. In some cases, our partners may use cookies to provide us with information about your interactions with their services. These cookies remember that you have visited a website, and this information is shared with other organizations such as advertisers. Those third-party cookies would be subject to the third party service’s policies.

You can opt-out of online behavioral advertising cookies and similar technologies by using the Digital Advertising Alliance’s Consumer Choice Tool available here, or if located in the European Union you can make your choices here. Please note you may continue to receive generic ads.

6. Consent to Use Cookies

The first time you visit our Site, a cookie notice is displayed describing our use of cookies and linking to this Cookie Policy. As described in that notice, if you use the Site after this notification has been displayed to you, we will assume that you consent to our use of cookies for the purposes described in this policy. By using our Site, you agree that we can place cookies and similar tracking technologies on your device. You have the ability to manage your cookies and similar tracking technologies preference. For more information on how to administer your preference, please see “Managing Cookies” section below.

7. Managing Cookies

You can opt-out of all non-Essential cookies by clicking on the “Reject All” button on the cookie banner at the bottom of the Site homepage. In addition, your browser may give you the ability to control some types of cookies. If you want to customize the kinds of cookies you can control, you can change your browser settings so that certain types of cookies are not accepted. Please be aware that the cookie selections you make for this Site may override your browser or any adblocker settings.

If you turn off any cookies, please be aware that you may lose some of the functionality of this Site. For more information about cookies and how to disable them please check the following resource: http://www.allaboutcookies.org/.

For more information about targeted advertisements and/or to learn how to opt out of advertising cookies, please visit the below independent associations. You can visit these independent associations’ websites to opt out of all cookies served by their members. These independent websites are not sponsored by or affiliated with VitalSource.

When opting out, a cookie will be set to let advertisers know not to use your data for targeted advertising purposes. You will still see advertisements, but they will not be tailored to your interests. If you opt-out of these targeted advertising cookies, your opt-out will be specific to the web browser or mobile device from which you accessed the opt-out. If you use multiple devices or browsers, you will need to opt-out each browser or device that you use.

8. Your Privacy Rights

VitalSource takes measures to review cookie providers and, where possible, endeavors to restrict its cookie providers from using personal information for their own unique purposes outside of the contracted services. Certain consumer privacy laws may provide residents with additional rights regarding our use of their personal information, where applicable.

To exercise any of these rights, or change your current preferences, please email us at privacy@vitalsource.com. Please note that Essential Cookies are required for the operation of our Site and you are not able to opt-out of Essential Cookies.

9. How to Contact Us

Please contact us if you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or the information we hold about you. You can reach us by email at privacy@vitalsource.com.

10. Our Do Not Track Policy

Certain browsers have “do not track” features that allow you to tell a website not to track you over time and across websites. These features are not all uniform. We do not currently respond to those signals. If you block cookies, certain features on our sites may not work. If you block or reject cookies, not all of the tracking described here will stop. Many of these options are specific to your device or browser. Learn more about Do Not Track.

11. Changes to This Policy

This Cookie Policy is effective from October 28, 2024. We may update this policy from time to time. If we do, we’ll let you know about any material changes, either by notifying you on the Site or by sending you an email. If you keep using our Site or Services after a change, that means you accept this Policy.