Organizations

For organizations that support individuals with qualifying print disabilities, Bookshare™ is a valuable resource of accessible books. This page contains information and resources for libraries, assistive technology centers, rehabilitation centers, senior centers, community centers, book clubs, correctional facilities, resource centers, retirement communities, and group homes both inside and outside the U.S.

• Member Stories
• Discussion and Information Sharing
• Resources
• Items of Interest
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Customer Support
• Membership Information

Discussion and Information Sharing

Bookshare has many avenues for sharing your ideas and insights:

• Share your thoughts, ideas, comments and questions with the Bookshare staff.
• Get handouts and materials for giving trainings, talks or sharing Bookshare information with groups and organizations.
• Connect Bookshare with your school.
• Hear Members’ stories.
• Sign up for the Bookshare newsletter

Resources

There are a number of resources for organizations serving people with print disabilities:

• Accessible World Forum
• National Library Service
• Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
• Assistive Technology Network
• National Federation of the Blind
• American Council of the Blind
• International Dyslexia Association
• Learning Disabilities of America
• Innovative Rehabilitation Technology, Inc.

Items of Interest

• View videos of Bookshare Members who use various assistive devices to read Bookshare books. The short profiles demonstrate how Members are using the technology. The longer stories describe how Bookshare has affected Members’ lives.
• Bookshare will be attending a number of conferences around the country. Get the latest information on conference dates and locations.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many ways to contribute to Bookshare. Your organization can donate funds, books, or time and expertise.

By volunteering with Bookshare, individuals not only help add books to the library, they also become part of a very lively community. Bookshare Volunteers hold contests, sponsor books clubs, and run a discussion group. In addition, Volunteers with print disabilities can earn credits toward their membership fees. Learn more about volunteering.

Customer Support

Bookshare has a number of resources to help with any question:

• Downloading books:
  • Instructions for downloading books
  • Frequently Asked Questions about downloading books
• Access Technology:
  • Access Technology
  • View videos on how to use various Access Technology tools
  • Webinars
  • Quick Guides
  • Brochures and Literature
• Membership: Individual Membership FAQs
• General Questions: Help Overview

If your question is not answered here, feel free to contact Bookshare.

Membership Information

Bookshare memberships are available to individuals of all ages with qualifying print disabilities and to the organizations supporting those individuals. Learn more about joining Bookshare.

If your organization serves U.S. students, they qualify for free membership through an award from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Read more about the OSEP award.

Organizations and individuals outside the United States can also join Bookshare and pay the nominal subscription fee. This provides access to freely distributable titles (e.g. public domain or Creative Commons licensed) and books that publishers and authors have given permission to Bookshare to share internationally.

The Bookshare service is possible through a special exemption in the U.S. copyright law (Chafee amendment) that permits the reproduction of publications into specialized formats for those with print disabilities.