September 2021
Quick Facts
- Bookshare is a service for individuals with print disabilities such as blindness, low vision, dyslexia, or physical disabilities that make it difficult to hold a book.
- Patrons can sign up on the Bookshare site with the code LIBORMULTCO.
- Staff do not verify eligibility.
- Patrons with a temporary Online or Passport user profile cannot sign up for this program.
- Bookshare offers:
- Titles in English and Spanish.
- Tech support in English: https://www.bookshare.org/contactUs
- More information is available on the public website at multcolib.org/bookshare and on the Commons Bookshare page.
Procedure
- Check to see if the requesting patron has a library card.
- Patrons with a temporary Online or Passport user profile cannot participate in this program.
- Staff do not need to verify if the patron is eligible for the Bookshare service.
- This is the information to give the patron after confirming they have a library card:
- The Bookshare sign up site: https://www.bookshare.org/signUpMember
- Our Bookshare code: LIBORMULTCO
- The library information page: multcolib.org/bookshare
- They can contact Bookshare directly for support at https://www.bookshare.org/contactUs or at (650) 352-0198 Monday-Friday 5 am to 5 pm.
Policy
Adult patrons with print disabilities such as blindness, low vision, dyslexia, or physical disabilities that make it difficult to hold a book can get a subscription to Bookshare through the library.
The service is only available to individuals with print disabilities due to copyright laws. Bookshare for students with disabilities is free through their educational institution.
Bookshare will determine eligibility. Adult patrons with proof of a qualifying disability determined by a qualified professional that are not already enrolled in any educational program which would qualify them for a free subscription can get a subscription through the library.
Patrons need to provide their own device.
Rationale
Bookshare is a significant collection of e-books, including textbooks, bestsellers, children's books, career resources and Spanish resources. The library has purchased 150 annual Bookshare subscriptions for adults that are no longer able to get them through school.
This service is available to patrons who support library services in the free service area, including paying for a fee card.