Interactive Textbooks Digital Library vs VitalSource Bookshelf
Interactive Textbooks Digital Library
ebooks.edu.grVitalSource Bookshelf
vitalsource.comSide by side
| Figure | Interactive Textbooks Digital Library | VitalSource Bookshelf |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Digital Textbook Platforms | 8.3 (#5) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Accessibility | Some books are offered with font sizes from 18 to 38 points for students with low vision. | VitalSource states that Bookshelf supports assistive technologies and provides accessibility conformance documentation. |
| Headquarters | Athens, Greece | Raleigh, North Carolina, United States |
| Purpose | The library is the Ministry of Education’s official digital space for school books, available to teachers, students, parents and guardians, and other interested users. | Bookshelf is an app for reading and studying eTextbooks and other digital learning materials. |
| Search | Users can search by keyword, including within school book text, and filter results by education level, grade, book type and subject. | The reader searches across book text, figures, and workbook content. |
| Support | The site invites users to send comments and suggestions to [email protected]. | VitalSource advertises 24x7x365 Tier 1 support in English and Spanish and maintains separate learner, educator, partner, and Bookshelf support portals. |
Plans
Interactive Textbooks Digital Library
- Free access to schoolbook libraryFree
In their own words
Interactive Textbooks Digital Library
Interactive Textbooks Digital Library is a free web and iOS repository for Greek schoolbooks and related educational material. It serves teachers, students, parents, guardians, and other interested users. Coverage spans primary school, gymnasium, general lyceum, and vocational lyceum (EPAL). Books are provided in PDF and HTML, with selected titles in interactive HTML, iBook, and low-vision formats. The library states that more than 160 interactive books include links to simulations, experiments, exercises, educational games, videos, maps, and visualizations from Photodentro repositories. Users can search keywords, including words inside book text, browse by class or subject, and filter by education level, class, book type, and subject. Some editions provide 18–38 point text. Materials can be copied, printed, downloaded, stored locally, and viewed on a computer. Course pages include descriptions, objectives, curricula, and grouped books, while guides support teachers and parents. The library is powered by DSpace and maintained with Ministry of Education funding.
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.