FlatWorld vs VitalSource Bookshelf
FlatWorld
flatworld.comVitalSource Bookshelf
vitalsource.comSide by side
| Figure | FlatWorld | VitalSource Bookshelf |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Spec score · Digital Textbook Platforms | 7.7 (#16) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Accessibility | FlatWorld says its platform meets WCAG 2.2 Level AA and provides accessibility documentation including a VPAT/ACR. | VitalSource states that Bookshelf supports assistive technologies and provides accessibility conformance documentation. |
| Founded | 2007 | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Boston, Massachusetts, United States | Raleigh, North Carolina, United States |
| Security | FlatWorld’s Trust Portal says it maintains an active SOC 2 Type II report and is TX-RAMP certified. | 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. |
| Study tools | Notes & Highlights lets students annotate textbook passages, collect notes, and print or save them as a PDF. | Titles can provide highlights, notes, flashcards, text-to-speech, and embedded audio, video, or interactive content. |
| Support | FlatWorld offers instructor support through a named representative and says support requests receive a response within 1–2 business days. | VitalSource advertises 24x7x365 Tier 1 support in English and Spanish and maintains separate learner, educator, partner, and Bookshelf support portals. |
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.