Bookshare
Access thousands of digital titles in audio, braille, and digital text formats with an intuitive search and customization options.
What is Bookshare?
Bookshare is a digital library offering thousands of books, textbooks, and publications in multiple accessible formats: audio, braille, and digital text. It's designed primarily for people with print disabilities, including visual impairments, dyslexia, and physical disabilities that make handling printed books difficult. The service provides customisable reading experiences, allowing users to adjust text size, font, spacing, and other display settings to suit their needs. Search functionality helps users find titles across fiction, non-fiction, educational materials, and reference works. Bookshare operates on a freemium model, with free access for eligible users and premium membership options available.
Key Features
Multiple format access
browse and read books in audio, braille, and digital text simultaneously
Customisable text display
adjust font size, typeface, line spacing, and background colour for comfortable reading
Textbook access
digital versions of educational materials for students with disabilities
Intuitive search
find titles by author, subject, ISBN, or keyword across the catalogue
Offline reading
download titles to read without an internet connection
Device synchronisation
continue reading across different devices from where you left off
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Free access for eligible users with print disabilities removes financial barriers
- Wide variety of formats means users can choose how they consume content based on preference or circumstance
- Substantial textbook collection supports students throughout their education
- Customisation options accommodate different reading preferences and accessibility needs
Limitations
- Eligibility requirements for free access may exclude some users; verification process required
- Library catalogue, whilst substantial, may not include all recent releases or niche titles
- Premium features and extended access require paid membership beyond the free tier
Use Cases
Students with dyslexia or visual impairments accessing textbooks in accessible formats
Blind or low-vision readers enjoying audio and braille editions of fiction and non-fiction
People with physical disabilities using digital text without handling paper books
Teachers sourcing accessible educational materials for inclusive classrooms
Lifelong learners exploring audiobooks and digital texts with customisable reading settings