CourseSmart LLC was a significant provider of digital learning materials, primarily known for its extensive catalog of eTextbooks from major academic publishers. Founded in 2007 by a consortium of these publishers (Pearson, Cengage Learning, McGraw-Hill Education, John Wiley & Sons, and Macmillan Higher Education), CourseSmart aimed to make educational content more accessible, affordable, and portable for students and educators. The platform offered features like search, note-taking, and highlighting, accessible online and offline. In 2014, CourseSmart was acquired by Ingram Content Group's VitalSource Technologies. Following the acquisition, CourseSmart's platform and user base were integrated into VitalSource, and the CourseSmart brand was eventually phased out, with services ceasing around 2018-2019.
The headquarters served as the nerve center for CourseSmart, housing its executive leadership, technology development, publisher relations, marketing, sales, and customer support operations for its eTextbook platform.
While specific architectural details are not widely documented, it's likely the office featured a modern, open, and collaborative workspace typical of tech companies in Silicon Valley, designed to foster innovation and teamwork.
The work culture at CourseSmart was reportedly dynamic and mission-oriented, driven by the goal of revolutionizing educational material delivery. Employees were likely passionate about improving student access to affordable learning resources through technology.
Its Silicon Valley location was significant for attracting tech talent, fostering partnerships, and staying at the forefront of digital innovation in the education sector.
CourseSmart primarily focused on the North American higher education market, serving students and institutions in the United States and Canada. While its digital platform theoretically allowed for global access where content rights permitted, its operational, marketing, and support functions were predominantly centered in the U.S. The eTextbooks offered were typically English-language versions from its partner publishers.
Specific historical street address is not readily available through public records.
San Mateo
California
USA
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As of April 2025, CourseSmart' leadership includes:
CourseSmart has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:
As CourseSmart ceased independent operations after its acquisition by VitalSource in 2014, no executive hires or exits have occurred in the 'last 12 months.' The most significant leadership transition involved the integration of CourseSmart's team into VitalSource post-acquisition. Any other executive changes would have been prior to this period.
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During its operational years, CourseSmart likely used standard corporate email formats. These formats are no longer active as the company has been dissolved and integrated into VitalSource.
Common formats likely included [first_initial][last]@coursesmart.com (e.g., jdoe@coursesmart.com) or [first].[last]@coursesmart.com (e.g., jane.doe@coursesmart.com).
Format
sdevine@coursesmart.com (example, based on former CEO and common format)
Example
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Publishers Weekly • April 3, 2014
Ingram Content Group announced its acquisition of CourseSmart, the digital textbook platform. This move aimed to significantly expand VitalSource Technologies' market presence and capabilities in the educational technology sector by integrating CourseSmart's extensive catalog and user base....more
EdSurge • August 15, 2012
CourseSmart reported reaching significant milestones, including over 2.5 million users and a catalog of more than 20,000 eTextbooks from its partner publishers. This indicated strong growth in the adoption of digital learning materials in higher education....more
CNET (example of early coverage) • February 7, 2007
A coalition of major higher education publishers, including Pearson, Cengage, McGraw-Hill, Wiley, and Macmillan Higher Education, officially launched CourseSmart, a joint venture to provide college students with electronic versions of textbooks....more
CourseSmart Press Release (via Business Wire) • June 4, 2013
CourseSmart announced expanded accessibility for its eTextbook platform, enabling students and faculty to access their digital materials on a wide range of web-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, promoting flexibility in learning....more
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