Oxford Learner’s Bookshelf vs VitalSource Bookshelf
Oxford Learner’s Bookshelf
oxfordlearnersbookshelf.comVitalSource Bookshelf
vitalsource.comSide by side
| Figure | Oxford Learner’s Bookshelf | VitalSource Bookshelf |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Digital Textbook Platforms | 7.4 (#22) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Headquarters | Oxford, United Kingdom | Raleigh, North Carolina, United States |
| Platforms | The maker documents browser access and apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iPad, and Android. | VitalSource lists Bookshelf compatibility with Mac, PC, iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, and Chromebook devices. |
| Purpose | Oxford Learner’s Bookshelf provides interactive Oxford e-books for teaching and learning English. | Bookshelf is an app for reading and studying eTextbooks and other digital learning materials. |
| Support | The maker’s offline-help page directs users needing further assistance to Customer 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
Oxford Learner’s Bookshelf
- Individual Oxford e-books and digital packsPrice not published
In their own words
Oxford Learner’s Bookshelf
Oxford Learner’s Bookshelf provides interactive Oxford e-books for teaching and learning English. Its catalog includes Graded Readers, course student books and workbooks, grammar and reference books, and professional development for teachers. Some courses are available as digital packs with e-books and Online Practice, and users can register for free samples. Depending on the title, books may include activities, video, audio, answer checking, adjustable audio speed, and pronunciation recording and comparison. Readers can add sticky or voice notes, highlight or underline text, and annotate pages. Books downloaded in the apps can be used offline, and cloud sync can carry answers, notes, marks, bookmarks, and last-page position between devices. Teachers can assign e-books and Classroom Presentation Tools; for some courses, they can track student progress and scores in a gradebook. Books require an Oxford ID and a licence or access code. Prices vary by title, and no price is listed here. Audio notes and pronunciation practice cannot be recorded in Edge or Safari; the help page directs users to Chrome or Firefox for recording.
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.