VitalSource offers an app called Bookshelf which enables offline access to e-textbooks. One of the Bookshelf app's features, called Read Aloud, allows listening to the eTexts being read to you. To have the app with its features available on your desktop, laptop or mobile device, follow the steps below.
First download either the desktop app or the mobile app versions of Bookshelf.
Using the apps will allow you to download the whole book to read offline, which means each page will be fully loaded in the app. It will also reduce the lag time before the voiceover starts.
ALERT: If you choose not to download the app and want to use the Read Aloud feature on the web version through Canvas, a 20 to 60 second delay can occur between pressing the "play" button and the voiceover beginning.
Follow the prompts to download and install your app, which will vary depending on your device. Once you’ve installed the app, you will need to log in.
Once you’ve downloaded the app and logged in, you will see your titles on the Bookshelf app homepage. Click the cover of the eText you would like to read.
Once you click the cover, the eText will begin to download. You will see that it is downloading in the upper right corner of that cover.
You will know that an eText is downloaded and ready to read when you see the checkmark in the upper right corner of the cover. Click the cover to access the book.
The desktop version of the Bookshelf app will look and function similarly to the reader that you access via Canvas, and you may also use the “read aloud” feature. Click the sound icon on the bottom right of the toolbar, to listen to the eText being read.
Click play in the player that opens. You can move forward or backward on the page by clicking the icons. You can even adjust the reading speed by dragging the indicator. Click the Exit button to return to the regular page view.
Read Aloud
With the text-to-speech tool, you don't have to look at your device to absorb your content. Listen to your eTextbooks while on the go to multitask and save time.
You can also highlight the text from where you want to start the narration, as well as take notes.
Forget about bringing six different highlighters with you to the library. Bookshelf makes studying easy by automatically syncing your last page read, bookmarks, and notes and highlights among your devices! You can even set up a custom color-coding system for your highlights, print out an automatic study guide, review your notebook in an interactive study session, or export your notebook to Microsoft OneNote.
New Feature! Highlight and copy content directly from your etextbook to easily create digital flashcards. Create your own unique study experience tailored to your course and ace that test!
Please call the Helpdesk if you have any questions: 973-278-5400 ext. 1540
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Note: To be able to continue to view your eText after the course is completed, please be sure to download each of your titles in either the desktop or mobile app before the end of the semester.