Do Sony SS-B3000 speakers require a stereo receiver?

I want to buy Sony's SS-B3000 Bookshelf Speakers for my friend to plug his laptop into when he's home. But, I don't want to order them only to discover upon opening that I needed to buy a receiver to power them. Does the term "bookshelf" indicate these are more like computer speakers? I know a stereo receiver wouldn't fit on MY bookshelf.