Direct Publisher Integrations in Blackboard
Summary
Beginning in Fall 2024, faculty and instructors should work to provide complete course material requirements – including where Access Codes may be needed for specific assignments – in their course syllabus.
Full Description
Effective immediately, direct publisher eCommerce integrations will no longer be supported in Blackboard. These direct publisher integrations are in violation of the current Barnes & Noble College contract, as BNC is William & Mary’s partner for the delivery of course materials and seller of all required, recommended or suggested course materials. It also conflicts with the university’s efforts to address student affordability. IT, Procurement and Auxiliary Services are working with the publisher to remove direct storefront links within Blackboard, but it is expected to take 1-2 weeks.
Faculty and instructors should work to provide complete course material requirements – including where Access Codes may be needed for specific assignments – in their course syllabus. This will provide students the opportunity to search for the most affordable solutions to meet their needs. Access Codes are available for purchase through the William & Mary Bookstore, with the course material publishers or through other third-party booksellers. Additionally, students can use Financial Aid directly with William & Mary Bookstore through the W&M Express program.
For coursework that is to be completed within a Publisher’s portal, faculty can link directly to publisher-provided content and tools in their Blackboard course using the Course Link tool to create Web links. Course packages and question banks can be imported by downloading them from your publisher in .zip format and using the Import function.
Conversations with the publishers are underway to remove the eCommerce integrations and we remain hopeful that there will be a minimal gap in service. As we know more, we will update you.
Questions?
Contact the Technology Support Center (TSC) 757-221-4357 (HELP) | support@wm.edu | Jones 201, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
