Step 1: Select a Book

Select a Book to Scan

Some volunteers will choose to work on books that have been requested by members. Others choose a book they find personally interesting. Whether you're scanning your favorite novel or a historical biography, there are some common things to consider when you are selecting a book: 

  • The book should not already be in Bookshare’s® collection (unless you are improving an existing copy or BSO)
  • Must contain copyright information or Public Domain/Creative Commons documentation
  • Must have a title page
  • Pages must have numbers (unless it has 35 pages or less)
  • Due to technical limitations, images must be removed (written image descriptions may be substituted)

Please note:

  • New York Times Best Sellers and major periodicals are already being scanned on a regular basis.
  • Bookshare cannot accept:
    • eBooks (even if they have been printed and scanned)
    • standardized tests
    • teacher editions of textbooks
    • copyrighted dramatic works (plays or screenplays)