Bookshare

App/Tool Overview

Bookshare is an online resource that was created to support individuals with disabilities that make reading difficult for them. It is a huge database of books that can be used by any qualifying member. The qualification needed to join Bookshare is a confirmation from an expert that the individual applying has a print disability that severely impacts his or her ability to read print materials traditionally. The print disability can stem from a learning disability, low vision/blindness, or a physical disability. Once membership has been given, the individual has access to a wide range of reading materials that have been adapted so that he or she may enjoy them. Members are able to read books on a wide array of devices so that they are able to use the one most comfortable for them. The ways in which members enjoy their books can vary as well; there are many customizable options so that members are able to have options like audio, highlighted or large text, braille, and other such aids.

School Library Applications

The simplest, and most obvious, way that Bookshare can be used in a school library is that it gives access to all students, regardless of print ability, to books. Librarians can have this resource available on computers, tablets, laptops, smartphones, and any other devices so that all their students have access to books. While today’s school libraries are trending more towards media centers with a wide range of applications, they still incorporate the traditional book lending piece. All students should be able to borrow a book from their school library to enjoy, but simply having traditional print books on shelves is not adequate for the entire student population. Having Bookshare as an option allows all students, regardless of ability, to enjoy books from their school library.

Moving beyond the simple ability to loan a book from the library, Bookshare can also aid students with disabilities to become more involved in other ways as well. One example is that students who were not previously able to join a club like a book group would now be able to, as they have the ability to enjoy the book as well. Another example is that they will have no barriers enjoying a book that they heard about in a Book Talk given by their librarian, as they now have access to the same resources that their classmates without disabilities do. There are many opportunities for books to be incorporated into different clubs and events, so having the ability to offer books to students of all disabilities is extremely important for a school library.

Classroom Teacher Implications

Classroom teachers can use Bookshare in the above contexts, just as school librarians do. It is very important for them as well to provide access to books for all of their students, regardless of ability.

Another application for classroom teachers that applies more to their functions specifically is that it allows them to more easily assign work outside of the classroom. Whether this situation is due to a flipped classroom or is for homework, they can confidently assign reading to their students without having to worry about access as long as they have Bookshare available to them.

Additionally, classroom teachers (and school librarians as well) are able to have more comprehensive and wider reaching summer reading programs with the assistance of Bookshare. Again, this allows all students, regardless of ability, to have access to books on their own time and at their own pace. Lastly, because Bookshare has such a vast number of resources, teachers will not have to worry about selecting certain books because there is guaranteed access for them; Bookshare has such a wide selection that teachers have very few limits when it comes to choosing materials.

Further Information

For more information on Bookshare please use the following link for their website:

https://www.bookshare.org/cms/

Bookshare, with an international exception of $50 a year, is free for students and schools. After membership has been granted, students and schools are able to have access to this database of books free of charge.

Bookshare is passionate about continuing their mission; they also offer opportunities to ensure the continuation of Bookshare’s success, including the option to donate, volunteer, and connect. Please use the above link for further information about getting involved with this amazing organization.