What are course-based keys?
zyBooks offers two types of Access keys
- A zyBook-specific key - This key type will unlock a specific zyBook for a given term and instructor or set of instructors.
- A course-based key - This key does not expire and can be used to unlock any zyBook at a given university for a given course.
For example, a bookstore might choose to order 100 zyBook-specific keys for the zyBook ZYUCS101BakshiFall2024 or they might choose to order 1000 course-based access keys for the CS 101 course at zyBooks University.
By default, zyBooks sells zyBook-specific keys, but course-based keys can be made available upon request.
Course-based keys are intended for larger universities where 3 or more instructors might be using zyBooks for the same course but each with their own unique zyBook and zyBook code.
How to order
To order course-based keys please send a purchase order to bookstore@zybooks.com.
Be sure to include:
- Quantity of keys needed
- The course and institution or an ISBN
- Bookstore contact information
Please also make sure to indicate that you want course based keys, otherwise, we will provide zyBook specific keys by default.
How keys are delivered
zyBooks access keys are electronically delivered via email. By default, course-based keys are delivered as a CSV which can easily be uploaded into a code delivery system.
Upon request we can also share keys as a PDF with instructions for students on how to use their access key
Instructions for students
To use a course-based access key, the student should first navigate to their zyBook.
To navigate to the zyBook, students should either,
- Click on an LTI link in Canvas/Moodle/Brightspace/Blackboard/etc. (screenshots below)
OR - Enter the zyBook code provided by their instructor in the field on the library page.
Because there are two ways that a student can access a zyBook, we recommend that students refer to their instructor to learn the PREFERRED access method for their zyBook.
Once a student is in their zyBook, they will see a page that looks like this:
Students can enter their access key in the lower right.
Entering a valid access key will drop the price to $0 and allow the students to subscribe.
Example LTI links for each LMS:
Canvas:
Brightspace:
Moodle:
Blackboard Classic:
Blackboard Ultra: