eLibro vs VitalSource Bookshelf
eLibro
elibro.comVitalSource Bookshelf
vitalsource.comSide by side
| Figure | eLibro | 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 | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Digital Textbook Platforms | 7.7 (#15) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Founded | 1998 | 1994 |
| Integrations | The help page describes Ezproxy, Shibboleth, OpenAthens, SAML, IP authentication, and referring-URL access options. | Bookshelf integrates with campus learning-management systems and feeds engagement activity to VitalSource Analytics dashboards. |
| Privacy | The privacy policy says eLibro Corporation acts as the data controller for GDPR purposes and may transfer personal information to computers outside a user's jurisdiction. | VitalSource says it does not share or sell user or partner data and builds its technologies to function without personal information. |
| Purpose | eLibro is an academic digital library designed for educational institutions, libraries, and research centers. | Bookshelf is an app for reading and studying eTextbooks and other digital learning materials. |
| Search | Users can search by keyword and full text, title, ISBN, author, publisher, publication year, collection, and language. | The reader searches across book text, figures, and workbook content. |
| Security | The privacy policy says eLibro uses commercially acceptable measures to protect personal data but cannot guarantee absolute security. | VitalSource says Bookshelf infrastructure is covered by SOC 2 Type 2 security controls, disaster-recovery sites, Google Cloud hosting, and more than 500 global endpoints. |
Plans
In their own words
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.