OpenStax
7.9#1 in digital textbook platformsFree planFree planAndroidiOSWebAPI
VisitOpenStax vs VitalSource Bookshelf
VitalSource Bookshelf
7.4#5 in digital textbook platformsFree planFree planAndroidiOSWebmacOS
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | OpenStax | VitalSource Bookshelf |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | OpenStax works toward WCAG 2.1 Level AA and Section 508 compliance and uses Level Access for automated and manual accessibility reviews. | VitalSource states that Bookshelf supports assistive technologies and provides accessibility conformance documentation. |
| Founded | 2012 | 1994 |
| Integrations | Assignable supports LTI 1.3 and major LMS platforms including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L Brightspace, and Moodle. | Bookshelf integrates with campus learning-management systems and feeds engagement activity to VitalSource Analytics dashboards. |
OpenStax plans
- OpenStax textbooksFree
- OpenStax AssignablePriced on request
VitalSource Bookshelf plans
- Bookshelf appFree
Pick OpenStax if…
OpenStax suits students seeking free introductory-course textbooks and educators who need course materials or LMS assignments. Some student features and a small number of titles require an account.
Pick VitalSource Bookshelf if…
Bookshelf suits students and other readers who use digital learning materials and want annotation, search, and offline reading tools. Its LMS integrations may also suit institutions that need single sign-on or grade pass-back.