ICON Direct’s eReader is being updated to VitalSource on Monday, May 18, 2026.  For summer classes beginning on May 18, eTexts will not be available until approximately noon that day.

We chose May 18 to minimize the impact to instructors and students. This will give us time to make the technical changes and test the new eReader to ensure it’s working properly.

The ICON link to the eTexts will remain ICON Direct eTexts. Students will maintain access to previously purchased eTexts in the new eReader.

We are excited about the features of the VitalSource eReader:

• Text to Speech–change the voice and playback speed or switch to simplified reading mode, which skips footnotes, image descriptions, and URL hyperlinks.
• Highlights, Margin Notes, and Bookmarks–mark places and important terms to assist with study sessions. Instructors and students can share highlights with others.
• Flashcards–a study tool that allows students to create their own flashcards and use them to quiz themselves.

Summer classes starting after May 18 will have access on the first day of classes per usual.

Reach out to icon-direct@uiowa.edu with any questions.