Emond × VitalSource

Bookshelf+®

AI-powered study support inside the Bookshelf eReader—grounded in instructor-assigned course content.


 

About Bookshelf+

AI-powered study support, built into the eReader

Bookshelf+ brings VitalSource’s AI capabilities directly into the course materials students already use.

Bookshelf+ is the next evolution of digital learning, fusing VitalSource’s proven platform with purpose-built AI tools designed to drive real student engagement and outcomes. This AI-powered study experience is built directly into the Bookshelf eReader, engaging instantly with responses grounded in instructor-assigned content. Backed by decades of learning science research, Bookshelf+ delivers in-the-moment support with no outside sources and no extra tools.






Bookshelf+ Demo

See Bookshelf+ in action

Watch how Bookshelf+ brings AI-powered study support directly into the eReader, helping students ask better questions, break down complex ideas, and stay engaged with instructor-assigned content.

Bookshelf+ & AI

 

AI that supports real learning — not shortcuts

AI doesn’t have to be a risk. It can be a partner to institutions, instructors, and learners. When AI is designed responsibly, it supports learning instead of undermining it.

Many students are already turning to AI tools, often outside the guidance of their instructors or institutions. That can raise concerns about hallucinations, academic integrity, privacy, and distraction from the actual course materials.

Bookshelf+ takes a different approach. Backed by over a decade of published academic research, it integrates generative AI directly into the Bookshelf platform and works only with the instructor-assigned content itself. Students stay inside the book while they ask questions, break down complex concepts, compare key terms, generate flashcards, or study in their preferred language.

Instead of sending learners out to the open web or generic AI models, every interaction in Bookshelf+ is rooted in the trusted, instructor-approved environment of Bookshelf. AI becomes a study partner that reinforces course materials, rather than a shortcut around them.

Bookshelf+ is redefining what it means to study in the era of AI by giving students the rich capabilities of generative AI while keeping every answer grounded in the content their instructors selected.

Responsible and intentional AI use

Bookshelf+ is backed by research and operates exclusively on assigned course content. The AI helps students engage more deeply with the material their instructors actually want them to learn.

Powered by a platform you trust

Bookshelf+ runs securely within the Bookshelf platform. Content is protected, never exposed to open AI models, and never used to train external systems.

Drives deeper engagement

Students ask questions, break down ideas, quiz themselves, and compare concepts directly inside the eReader. No tool switching, no outside sources, and fewer distractions.

Designed for real learning, not shortcuts

Bookshelf+ reinforces instructor-selected content and supports academic integrity. It helps students stay focused on understanding and applying course concepts, instead of finding ways to bypass the work.


 

VitalSource Platform

Learn more about Bookshelf and Bookshelf+

Bookshelf+ is built directly into the VitalSource Bookshelf eReader — a trusted digital learning platform used by institutions and learners around the world.

Visit VitalSource Bookshelf
Frequently asked questions

Bookshelf+ FAQs

Explore common questions about access, functionality, responsible AI use, and support for Bookshelf+.

Access & Availability

Bookshelf+ is built into Bookshelf. If the book that the instructor assigns includes Bookshelf+, students have access regardless of purchase method. Students will see the “Ask Your Book” banner and “Your textbook just became your AI tutor” on the right panel and can start using the tool immediately.
No. Bookshelf+ is currently available in select titles.
Yes. Students can ask questions in their native language and receive responses in that same language.

Functionality

Students can ask any type of question related to the book content. They can request explanations, clarifications, draft outlines and summaries, generate personalized study plans, and more.
No. Bookshelf+ works automatically in supported titles. Instructors do not need to take any action.
Bookshelf+ will clarify that it can't answer the question if it's outside the scope of the assigned book content.
Yes, when giving students responses, Bookshelf+ will include any relevant images, graphs, etc. from the textbook content.
Practice tests within Bookshelf+ are formative.

Responsible Use of AI

Using AI responsibly means designing tools that are grounded in proven learning science and focused on improving student outcomes. AI should enhance, not replace, effective educational practices.
Bookshelf+ keeps learners focused and supported in the trusted, instructor-approved environment of Bookshelf without distractions or academic risk.
VitalSource does not retain or store publisher content in a way that is accessible or reused beyond standard platform operations. Content sent to large language models is never used for model training.
Bookshelf+ supports academic integrity by reinforcing instructor-selected content, delivering real-time practice and tutoring without altering assigned materials.
No. Content used within Bookshelf+ is never used to train any LLMs.

Support & Setup

No. Bookshelf+ is ready to use with no training required.
Yes. Bookshelf+ complies with applicable data privacy and security standards, including FERPA.
Yes. Bookshelf+ conforms to WCAG 2.1 AA and supports NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver.