BibliU vs VitalSource Bookshelf
BibliU
bibliu.comVitalSource Bookshelf
vitalsource.comSide by side
| Figure | BibliU | VitalSource Bookshelf |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Digital Textbook Platforms | 7.8 (#13) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Headquarters | Greenville, Texas, USA, and London, UK | Raleigh, North Carolina, United States |
| Integrations | BibliU integrates with learning management systems using LTI 1.3 and single sign-on, and OneLink connects courses to content. | Bookshelf integrates with campus learning-management systems and feeds engagement activity to VitalSource Analytics dashboards. |
| Offline access | Books can be downloaded for offline reading in the mobile and desktop apps, though publisher restrictions may prevent some downloads. | Users can download complete titles and study without an internet connection after initial download. |
| Privacy | BibliU’s platform privacy notice identifies BibliU Ltd as a UK company registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office under number ZB292375. | VitalSource says it does not share or sell user or partner data and builds its technologies to function without personal information. |
| Support | BibliU provides a knowledge base and technical support at [email protected]. | VitalSource advertises 24x7x365 Tier 1 support in English and Spanish and maintains separate learner, educator, partner, and Bookshelf support portals. |
Plans
BibliU
- Universal Learning — Equitable AccessPriced on request
- Universal Learning — Inclusive AccessPriced on request
In their own words
BibliU
BibliU provides digital textbooks and courseware to institutions and students, with content from thousands of publishers as well as open educational resources. Readers can search, use text-to-speech and a speed reader, annotate and highlight, and customize reading views. Books can be downloaded for offline reading in desktop and mobile apps, although publisher restrictions may prevent some downloads. BibliU runs on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and the web. It connects courses to content through OneLink and supports learning management system connections using LTI 1.3 and single sign-on; listed LMS integrations include Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, and D2L Brightspace. Customized analytics dashboards let authorized administrators and faculty review content usage and student study habits. Institutions can choose Equitable Access, billed as a flat fee per student per text, or Inclusive Access, with itemized material costs plus platform and store service fees. Students may opt out before the census date. Pricing is listed from $50.
VitalSource Bookshelf
VitalSource Bookshelf is an app for reading and studying eTextbooks and other digital learning materials on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Its study tools include highlighting, notes, flashcards, bookmarks, citations, search, and read-aloud. Users can download titles in desktop or mobile apps for offline reading and study, and notes and highlights sync across registered devices. VitalSource says the app supports assistive technologies for people with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments. It can be installed on up to two computers and two mobile devices at a time. Integrations support learning management system access, single sign-on, roster sync, and grade pass-back. The app is free to install at free, while eTextbook content may require purchase or an active license; pricing is also listed on request. For offline access to a lifetime-access eTextbook, download it within 180 days of purchase. VitalSource says assignments and library filters are being deprecated as part of a Bookshelf experience update.