Annotating GVSU Save (VitalSource) Readings With Hypothesis - Student

When to Use?

If your instructor requires you to use Hypothesis to annotate your GVSU Save (VitalSource) eBook in your Blackboard course, then you will want to use the following steps to ensure that your eBook loads correctly within Hypothesis. Following this order is critical for access.

  • Open your GVSU Save course materials first 
  • Accept cookies when prompted 
  • Then launch your Hypothesis assignment 

Procedure

Step 1: Open Your GVSU Save (VitalSource) eBook FIRST

Before opening your Hypothesis assignment:

  1. Go to your Blackboard course. 
  2. Locate and click your GVSU Save / Course Materials (VitalSource) link. 
  3. Open your eBook. 
  4. Confirm that: 
    • The book loads successfully 
    • You can navigate pages 

This step establishes your access to the textbook. Since Hypothesis loads the eBook inside of the assignment, if you haven’t opened the book first, the system may not recognize your access.

Step 2: Accept Cookies (if prompted)

When opening GVSU Save or Hypothesis, you may see a message about cookies.

  • Click Accept or Allow Cookies

Accept all cookies confirmation prompt.

  • Do NOT block or decline cookies 

GVSU Save uses cookies to securely connect your Blackboard login with your eBook access. If cookies are blocked, the assignment may fail to load. 

Step 3: Open the Hypothesis Assignment

  1. Once your eBook is confirmed working:
  2. Return to your Blackboard course 
  3. Click the Hypothesis assignment link 
    • The reading should load with: 
    • The eBook on the left 
    • The Hypothesis annotation panel on the right 

You are now ready to annotate.

Step 4: Annotate the Reading

Within the Hypothesis assignment:

  • Highlight text to create an annotation 
  • Add comments or replies 
  • Respond to classmates (if required) 
  • Your annotations are saved automatically.

Common Issues & Fixes

Issue#1: “You must enable cookies” or blank screen
Fix:

  • Enable cookies in your browser settings 
  • Refresh the page and try again 

Blocked cookies prevent GVSU Save from loading inside Blackboard. 

Issue #2: Assignment opens but no textbook appears
Fix:

  • Clear your browser's cache
  • Go back and open the GVSU Save Course Materials first
  • Then relaunch the assignment 

Issue #3: Problems using Safari
What’s happening: Safari and strict privacy settings may block the third-party cookies required for Blackboard tools like GVSU Save and Hypothesis.
Fix options:

  • Use Chrome or Firefox (recommended) 
  • OR adjust Safari settings to allow cross-site tracking 

Safari privacy features can prevent these tools from working correctly in Blackboard. 

Best Practices for Success

  • Always open GVSU Save first 
  • Always allow cookies 
  • Use a supported browser (Chrome recommended) 
  • Avoid private/incognito browsing 
  • Keep everything in the same browser session

Additional information can be found in this Hypothesis VitalSource Reader Student Guide.

Print Article