R2 Digital Library vs VitalSource Bookshelf
R2 Digital Library
r2library.comVitalSource Bookshelf
vitalsource.comSide by side
| Figure | R2 Digital Library | VitalSource Bookshelf |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Digital Textbook Platforms | 7.9 (#11) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Founded | 1946 | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Sarasota, Florida, United States | Raleigh, North Carolina, United States |
| Integrations | The maker lists deep linking and integrated drug information as features, and says users can access collections through a link created within the software. | Bookshelf integrates with campus learning-management systems and feeds engagement activity to VitalSource Analytics dashboards. |
| Purpose | R2 Digital Library is a web-based platform for searchable medical, nursing, and allied health eBooks. | Bookshelf is an app for reading and studying eTextbooks and other digital learning materials. |
| Search | Its proprietary digital rights and content management system uses medical keywords to search peer-reviewed, editorially vetted publications from more than 110 STM publishers in a single query. | The reader searches across book text, figures, and workbook content. |
| Support | R2 customer service is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time. | 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
R2 Digital Library
R2 Digital Library has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.