Frequently Asked Questions

Scan a barcode or search by title. Shelf Checkout assesses 25 content categories against each reader's content flags. Premium checks use published evidence and show how much evidence supports each flag. Check time varies by book, and analysis can improve as more evidence becomes available.

AI can miss details or context. Read the supporting evidence. A content check is one part of your reading decision.

You can scan a book's barcode or search by title. The available detail depends on the published evidence for that book.

New releases may have less published evidence. See Why is there limited information for new releases? below.

A check depends on the published evidence available for that book. If there is little information, some content may be missing from the analysis. Review the evidence behind each flag and use other reading resources when you need more detail.

Shelf Checkout personalizes content checks using each reader's settings. You can review 25 content categories and the published evidence supporting each flag. Explore the comparison guide →

Your family information stays on your device. We never see your kids' names, ages, or reading lists. The App does not use advertising identifiers. Google Analytics loads automatically on public website pages and may receive technical and interaction data. It receives no raw or hashed form identity, educator message content, or App and family data. The website does not use advertising pixels or a consent manager. You can limit analytics with browser cookie settings, content-blocking extensions, and other browser privacy tools. Read our full Privacy Policy →

Designed for all readers, whether you're an avid adult reader or a parent of kids who read. You can set your preferences for what matters to you, or set thresholds for younger readers. The app works for picture books to novels and everything in between.

Yes. Shelf Checkout is available for iPhone on the App Store and for Android on Google Play. Visit our app page for details and download links.

U.S. Premium pricing is US$4.99 per month or US$29.99 per year for unlimited checks. The app is free to download. Eligible iOS users can use a 7-day Premium trial managed by the app, without starting a subscription. Eligible new Android subscribers can start a 7-day free trial that renews at the selected plan price unless canceled. Check the price and terms shown in the app before subscribing. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled.

Set up reader profiles with the content preferences you want to check, then scan or search for books on your reading list. Review the plan details in the app before choosing it for a class or group. Learn more for educators →

If a check appears inaccurate, review the content and the supporting evidence. Contact support with the book title and the details you think are missing or incorrect.

Sometimes, yes. The AI needs to understand plot points to detect themes like death, divorce, or violence. If you're reading the book yourself and want to avoid spoilers, be aware that content summaries may reveal key story elements. We prioritize giving readers the info they need over spoiler-free summaries.

New releases may have less published information about their content. That can leave gaps in a check. Review the evidence behind each content flag and treat missing information as unknown. Analysis can improve as more evidence becomes available.

Each content flag shows how much evidence supports it. Use that information to decide how much weight to give the result. Read the details alongside your reader's preferences. Notice gaps where information is limited or missing. Check again as more published evidence becomes available. Evidence can improve over time, but it does not guarantee that every detail has been found.