Kortext vs VitalSource Bookshelf
Kortext
kortext.comVitalSource Bookshelf
vitalsource.comSide by side
| Figure | Kortext | 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 | 7.8 (#14) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Accessibility | Kortext study describes its learning experience as accessible and includes accessibility features and reading options. | VitalSource states that Bookshelf supports assistive technologies and provides accessibility conformance documentation. |
| Founded | 2013 | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Christchurch, Dorset, United Kingdom | Raleigh, North Carolina, United States |
| Integrations | Kortext study integrates with learning management systems and libraries, and supports Microsoft Teams collaboration. | Bookshelf integrates with campus learning-management systems and feeds engagement activity to VitalSource Analytics dashboards. |
| Study tools | Students can add highlights and bookmarks, create rich-text notes and flashcards, and generate citations in referencing styles. | Titles can provide highlights, notes, flashcards, text-to-speech, and embedded audio, video, or interactive content. |
| Support | The company directs users to contact its support team through the support link on its contact page. | 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
Kortext
Kortext provides higher education institutions with digital content discovery, study platforms, learner analytics, and staff workflows. Kortext study gives users access to more than five million eBooks and digital resources. Students can highlight and bookmark material, create rich-text notes and flashcards, and generate citations in referencing styles. The study experience includes accessibility features and reading options, integrates with learning management systems and libraries, and supports Microsoft Teams collaboration. Kortext IQ is an AI assistant for higher education that draws from trusted sources in a secure, ring-fenced environment. Kortext teach supports content selection, VLE-integrated course planning, assessment, grading, and learner engagement insights; Kortext insights presents faculty and student engagement data and trends for university leaders. Library licensing options include perpetual access, rental or subscription, demand-driven or patron-driven acquisition, and free OA/OER eBooks. The app is listed for Mac, iOS, Android, and Windows, with browser access also described. Institutional pricing is tailored to needs and budget; no specific price is listed.
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.