Can I use Bookshare after I graduate high school?
Absolutely, a Bookshare membership is for life! Bookshare is FREE for qualified U.S. students in K-12, post-secondary, graduate and continuing education classes. This includes people who are enrolled in classes offered by an educational institution, are on-going for a period of at least a month, and are part of a course of study or curriculum that follow a clear set of course-work whether virtual or in-person. Below are examples of classes that qualify:
- Classes that lead to a degree or certificate
- Professional development courses
- Guide dog classes
- Computer training classes
- Classes at the Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Lighthouse for the Blind, or NJ Commission for the Blind
- Guide dog classes
- Job Corp Center Classes
Does Bookshare have college textbooks?
Yes, Bookshare has college level textbooks. We acquire and provide college level textbooks in alternate formats through partnerships for with publishers. Bookshare is building many more partnerships with colleges and universities to legally share their scanned textbooks through Bookshare with other schools. In addition, Bookshare is working on developing partnerships with college textbook publishers.
If we don’t have your textbook in our collection, please submit a Book Request.
Do I need to be part of an organizational Bookshare membership in college?
No, you do not. Students who independently read when and how they want to, hold the key to a successful post-secondary experience. You can access Bookshare books through an Individual Membership. An Individual Membership is free; many students have both an individual membership and an organizational membership with their school. Learn more about how to sign up as an individual member.
How do accommodations in postsecondary differ from those in high school?
Accommodations differ widely between postsecondary schools and high school.
- First, it’s up to the student to begin the accommodation process by contacting the person/office on campus or in your program who in charge of accommodations. This is different than during high school, where teachers and parents advocate for services. In higher-education, the student must advocate for themselves.
- In high school, accommodations and modifications are part of the IEP process. IEPs are only for students in K-12 education. In college, the student must start the accommodation process by contacting the person/office on campus in charge of accommodations; typically this is found at the Disability Services Office or DSO. If eligible, a student can have a 504 plan in place with accommodations while they are earning their certification or degree.
Still need help? Reach out to our Customer Service Team.