Bookshelf Reviews – Page 3
5/5 rating based on 257 reviews. Read all reviews for Bookshelf for iPhone.
Bookshelf is free iOS app published by Vital Source Technologies, Inc.
iPhone version is 100% broken
everynicknameistakenjustsubmit
From an Android device I can launch my textbook from the Canvas app, which redirects to Bookshelf and automatically offers to download the textbook. Of note, the search function on the Android version does not locate the book I need, but that’s a problem for another time. When I launch Bookshelf, either launching the app itself or being redirected from various other sources, there is no way to be immediately directed to download the book I am trying to view. The search function returns “Nothing here!” when I search the book by name, ISBN, partial author name, even the blanket term “psychology” results in “Nothing here!” I have downloaded this book to another device, so you might think if I press “Update Library” it will find all the titles I have in my library. But you would be wrong. And so was I.
Can’t Find It
A.MTrend
I have been using this on PC for the past 5 weeks of classes…and I still can’t find my text on this app. I’m over it. So much for convenience.
The least student-oriented seller and app—avoid.
Darter Brown
Features that assist student learning -downloadable pdf -highlighting -simple payment methods and policies Vital Source, as an app and book seller, offers none of these. It appears they are more invested in obscure security measures and clunky app functions in order to offer the greatest guarantee to their clients that they will make a profit. It is fair for me to expect basic functions after paying, such as being able to highlight words/ sentences OR being able to download a pdf copy of a book I NOW OWN so I can use the highlight features that are on my tablet. None of this is to mention their pearl-clutch reaction to an incorrectly entered zip code or CVV; the punishment for which is a locked account. What is the remedy for a locked account? Submission of state ID after which they may or may not unlock your account. Avoid vitalsource. Not only do they make the simple task of buying a book feel like an interrogation, they also intentionally withhold basic features under the guise of security in order to prioritize profit over education.
Easy to use, a simple and bare reading app
paralleljackstand
I use this app for some of my school textbooks. It’s very easy to use. Any questions and you can reach out for help from their customer service which I’ve had to do for one of my books. My one nit picky criticism is I wish they’d offer more viewing options especially regarding print size. You can only pick from four very varying sizes. Whereas say with the Kindle app, you can sort of pick the exact print size for your needs and likings. But this app happens to have a size that works pretty well for me so it’s not a big complaint.
Just a little better than okay
Conscientiouscog
So it doesn’t copy, it doesn’t allow speak. It’s really a lame little book reader in that way. Not even as versatile as a PDF.
Unable to access my books
Dianav1
I downloaded the app but it’s impossible to retrieve all my books and there’s no instructions on how to access books already downloaded in your library.
Re-writing the review
Mr_Mr_Mr
They deleted my last one star review, so I’m writing another. In summary, the app is a buggy mess that is very unsatisfying to use. It has very frustrating occasional crashes and my highlights / markup beta notes I write during the last few minutes get erased. I will do my best to avoid this app again in the future. I’m only using it because I’m essentially forced to.
Doesn’t play well with Apple
Eric_***J.
The scrolling feature is annoying. Is doesn’t continuously scroll, the font changes aren’t instantaneous and this is by far one of the most annoying reading apps I have ever used. Once I’m done with school, I’ll be shut of this app forever. Unfortunately we can’t use kindle with insanely priced nursing school textbooks.
Overall Decent, but not perfect
Loofaboom
Decent app for my class textbook. Has good search function Sometimes renders LaTeX cut-off so you can’t see the equations (-1 star) Not great for taking notes, especially with an iPad (I want to be able to draw my notes rather than type them - I wish it was more like a PDF editor) Also too easy to lose my page when jumping between chapters - wish there was a consistent “jump back” button or something so that when I hit a title and it changes pages I don’t immediately lose my spot. (It does have bookmarks but it’s difficult to remember to use them.)