Bookshelf® Training Videos
Please view the short training videos below to learn more about Bookshelf and its features.
*To turn on Closed Captioning, select the CC button on the bottom right of the video.
*All video transcripts are available at the bottom of this page.
What would you like to learn?
How to Download and Access Bookshelf Offline
Use CoachMe in Bookshelf
Create Highlights and Notes in Bookshelf
Use Flashcards in Bookshelf
Use the Citation Feature in Bookshelf
Use Search and Navigation in Bookshelf Online
Use the Accessibility and Read Aloud Features in Bookshelf
How to Download and Access Bookshelf Offline
Use CoachMe in Bookshelf
Create Highlights and Notes in Bookshelf
Use Flashcards in Bookshelf
Use the Citation Feature in Bookshelf
Use Search and Navigation in Bookshelf Online
Use the Accessibility and Read Aloud Features in Bookshelf
Bookshelf Training Video Scripts
How to Download and Access Bookshelf Offline
Bookshelf can be downloaded for offline access.
If using Bookshelf online, click "Learn More" under "Download the Bookshelf App." Download the mobile Bookshelf app via the Apple Store or Google Play. You can also download the app for desktop using Apple, Windows, or Chrome. You can also download the app from inside a book by selecting the ellipsis (three-dot menu) and choosing "Download App."
The Bookshelf app icon is an orange book with a white bookmark. After downloading, sign in again to continue using the platform. Books can be downloaded to your device for offline access, including highlights, notes, and more. Changes made offline will sync when back online.
Use CoachMe in Bookshelf
CoachMe titles offer students free knowledge checks throughout a text. These AI-generated questions help students stay on track, check comprehension, and improve grades. CoachMe questions appear in the margin and at the end of chapters. Look for the CoachMe icon or the “Practice Questions” tab at the bottom of the page.
When selected, you will see the number and type of questions, such as drag-and-drop, multiple-choice, or fill-in-the-blank. Choose your answer and click “Check Answer.” If incorrect, you may receive feedback to guide you to the correct answer or have the option to retry or reveal the correct answer.
Correct answers are indicated by a green checkmark, while incorrect responses show a red circle with an X. You can track progress through the ellipsis (three-dot menu) and navigate directly to specific sections or questions. To check if a book has CoachMe, select the ellipsis menu in the upper right corner—if available, it will appear in the dropdown menu.
Create Highlights and Notes in Bookshelf
Bookshelf allows users to highlight and take notes directly in the text.
Highlight text using the cursor, then select a color. Click on highlighted text to add a note. To view notes, click the Workbook icon in the top right. The Workbook stores notes, bookmarks, and flashcards. In the Annotations section, users can filter by color or see all notes. Click "Export" to save or print notes.
Customize highlighter colors and names using the plus icon. Use the "Public" setting to share highlights with specific users, such as a study group. Shared highlights appear as underlined text.
Use Flashcards in Bookshelf
In this VitalSource video, we'll talk about creating flashcards in Bookshelf. To create a flashcard, select the workbook icon on the top right of the page, and select "flashcards."
You'll be given the option to create a new flashcard deck, and add content. Or, if you already have created a deck, you can add content to that deck.
You can add text by highlighting and copying content from the book. To add images and figures to a flashcard, click on the "photo" icon to add figure to content.
You can add images as well as text. Please note, depending on your book format, you may not be able to copy certain images and figures.
You also have the option of highlighting text and selecting "create flashcard." Once you have created a full deck of flashcards, you can select "study."
This will load your flashcards in a new window for practice. You can select if you know the information. Flip your cards to see the answer and skim through your deck.
If used wisely, this is a great resource to help you check your knowledge and prepare for assessments and exams.
Use the Citation Feature in Bookshelf
To access citations in Bookshelf, click the ellipsis (three-dot menu) at the top left of the table of contents and select "Citation."
There are currently four citation styles available: MLA, APA, Harvard, and Vancouver. The citation information is based on the data in our system, so we recommend double-checking that everything appears as expected. Once confirmed, you can simply copy and paste the citation into your document.
Use Search and Navigation in Bookshelf Online
Bookshelf provides multiple ways to search and navigate content efficiently.
The home page displays recently accessed books under "My Books." Use the "Shortcuts" feature for quick access to additional content. The search bar at the top right searches all books in Bookshelf. Click content cards to view references and navigate directly to book sections. To search within a specific book, click the magnifying glass next to the book title. Inside a book, use the magnifying glass in the upper right to find keywords in text, figures, or notes.
The table of contents on the left side can be expanded or collapsed for navigation. Jump to a specific page by entering a page number at the bottom right.
Use the Accessibility and Read Aloud Features in Bookshelf
Bookshelf offers accessibility features, including font customization, line height adjustments, color settings, and night mode.
Click the double "A" icon in the top right corner to access reader preferences. Choose from different fonts, including one designed for dyslexia. Adjust line height, margins, and color contrast for better readability. Reset settings to the publisher's default if needed.
The "Read Aloud" function allows users to listen to the text being read aloud. Select the ellipsis menu and choose "Read Aloud." To start from a specific location, highlight the text and select "Read Aloud from Here." The feature reads in the book's published language. Adjust speed, enable alt text, and choose a reader's voice using the gear icon.
For more detailed instructions on each feature, check out additional Bookshelf guides.
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