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NetLibrary eBook Frequently Asked Questions


What is an eBook?

An electronic book (eBook) is an item that has been converted into digital format for electronic distribution. It can be a reference book, a textbook, a novel, or other type of research material. Some eBooks can be read online-only, while other eBooks can be downloaded to your computer and transferred to hand-held devices.

How can I find NetLibrary eBooks?

You can search for NetLibrary eBooks on the NetLibrary Web site or in our Library Catalog.

To search on the NetLibrary Web site type keywords, a title or an author in the Basic Search box that appears on every NetLibrary page. Or click on the Advanced Search tab located in the top navigation. Advanced search allows you to use to the drop down menu to select search parameters (Title, Author, Full Text, Subject, ISBN). You can also use Boolean operators.

Tip: While searching for eBooks on the NetLibrary Web site you may find NetLibrary eAudiobooks. You can limit your search to eBooks at the top of the search results page.

To search for NetLibrary eBooks in our Library Catalog enter your search terms and limit to "eBook" in the Material Type menu.

How can I create a NetLibrary account?

If you wish to access eBooks from outside the Library, check out eBooks, create bookmarks, or save notes, you will need to create a NetLibrary user account.

  1. Navigate to the NetLibrary home page from our eBooks and eAudio Web page.
  2. Click on the create a free account link in the top right corner of any NetLibrary Web page.
  3. Enter your identifying information (user name, password and e-mail address).
  4. Select the submit button.

How can I read NetLibrary eBooks?

Some NetLibrary eBooks can be read online only. For these eBooks you simply click on the "View this eBook" link. Some books can be downloaded and can be read offline on your computer or on some portable devices. Click on the "Show Details" link to see if a book has a "Check Out & Download this eBook" link.

How can I check out and download a NetLibrary eBook?

If a book is available to download you can check it out for seven days. To check out a downloadable title you must be on the details page for the title. Simply click on the "Check Out & Download this eBook" link and the eBook will be checked out to your account and the file will be downloaded to your personal computer for offline viewing.

How many NetLibrary eBooks can I check out at one time?

There is no limit on the number of eBooks you can check out at one time.

For how long can I check out a NetLibrary eBook?

There are two different checkout periods for NetLibrary eBooks. Titles that can be read online-only can be checked out for 24 hours. Titles that can be downloaded to your computer or hand-held device can be checked out for 7 days. To see when your downloadable title is due, go to adobe reader and select digital editions from the file menu. Then right click on the book image in adobe reader and click on Return to Lender. It will show you the due date and give you the option to return the title.

Can I renew a NetLibrary eBook?

Not exactly. You can check in the title and check it out again. This works for downloadable and non-downloadable titles.

Can I place a NetLibrary eBook on hold?

No. There is no hold or notification service for NetLibrary eBooks.

Can I check out a title at the same time that it is checked out to another library user?

You can check out a title that is checked out to another user only if there are multiple copies in the collection and one of these is not checked out. The collection operates the same way as a physical book. The number of copies equals the number of library users that can check out each title simultaneously. If the book is already checked out, you will see a message that the book is not available.

Can I download NetLibrary eBooks to read offline or on a portable device?

Yes, some titles are available for download. Other titles can only be read on a computer that is connected to the Internet. Downloadable titles will have a link on the details page that reads “Checkout & Download this eBook.” You can search for downloadable titles by checking the “Offline eContent” option in the advanced search.

Can I print NetLibrary eBooks?

NetLibrary adheres to copyright rules that do not allow you to print an entire eBook. If you attempt to print a complete eBook, NetLibrary will issue a warning and then you will lose access to the site. Afterwards you will need to log on again to use NetLibrary. Library users can print or copy a few single pages at a time before NetLibrary issues a warning.

Where can I get additional information on using NetLibrary eBooks?

Detailed information on using NetLibrary eBooks is available by clicking on the Help button at the top of any NetLibrary Web page. Context-sensitive help is also available by clicking on the tips links located on NetLibrary search, details and viewing pages. For additional assistance, please contact your librarian.

Begin searching for ebooks at NetLibrary


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