Categories: On the Wire

VitalSource Acquires RedShelf

VitalSource announced it has acquired RedShelf, the Chicago-based course materials distributor servicing hundreds of US higher education institutions. The acquisition expands VitalSource’s network of institutional and publisher partners, providing additional scale and talent to drive affordability and outcomes in a rapidly evolving landscape.

“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,” said 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.”

The course materials market has been transformed in recent years by the shift to digital, expansion of access and subscription models, and the proliferation of AI-powered learning tools. Bringing together VitalSource and RedShelf’s development efforts will increase speed-to-market and strengthen support for partners across this fast-changing higher education ecosystem.

“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,” said Rob Holland, CEO of RedShelf. “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.”

This acquisition advances VitalSource’s long-term commitment to simplifying the course content ecosystem for all stakeholders.

“We’re building the learning delivery network that higher education needs right now, one that is secure, scalable, and ready for what’s next,” said Freeman. “We’re excited about this next chapter and proud to bring the strengths of RedShelf to the VitalSource mission.”

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megan.davis@alloycrew.com: Author

Michael Hale, PhD, has spent 35 years in the field of education, the last 20 at VitalSource as a
leader dedicated to enhancing learning outcomes and facilitating the development and delivery
of accessible learning solutions. As the Chief Learning Officer, he is now primarily focused on
steering global learning initiatives. Prior to his work with VitalSource, he devoted 15 years to the
improvement of K-12 education, having served in various capacities including as a college
professor, high school educator and director of a highly regarded charter school. Michael is also
the author of The Teacher′s Guide to Leading Student-Centered Discussions: Talking About
Texts in the Classroom. He earned a BA in Philosophy from Auburn University and a MA and
PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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megan.davis@alloycrew.com

Michael Hale, PhD, has spent 35 years in the field of education, the last 20 at VitalSource as a leader dedicated to enhancing learning outcomes and facilitating the development and delivery of accessible learning solutions. As the Chief Learning Officer, he is now primarily focused on steering global learning initiatives. Prior to his work with VitalSource, he devoted 15 years to the improvement of K-12 education, having served in various capacities including as a college professor, high school educator and director of a highly regarded charter school. Michael is also the author of The Teacher′s Guide to Leading Student-Centered Discussions: Talking About Texts in the Classroom. He earned a BA in Philosophy from Auburn University and a MA and PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.