NetLibrary FAQs
- What are e-books?
- How do I use e-books?
- Can I use Netlibrary books when I'm not on the campus network?
- What kinds of e-books are available in NetLibrary?
- Do the Libraries own all of the NetLibrary books available?
E-books are books in an all electronic format. NetLibrary's e-books are all electronic counterparts of print publications. Each page is reproduced including all figures, tables, front and back matter etc.
You can search for e-books by title or by author. You can also search for words in e-books. Once you've found an e-book of interest you can view it using either the preview mode or by checking the book out. The preview mode is only available for computers which are on the campus network. However in preview mode you are not required to create a logon identifying yourself. If you check a book out you have to create a user name and password (once) and then use it any time you check out an e-book. Preview mode allows up to 15 minutes of access, enough time to browse the book or print a few pages. Check out lasts for 2 hours and no one else can use the e-book while it is checked out to you.
Can I use Netlibrary books when I'm not on the campus network?
Anyone who is a faculty, staff, or student member of the University of Maryland community can check out NetLibrary books from any computer with Internet access. Once your user name and password are created they can be used to check out books with any Internet computer.
What kinds of e-books are available in NetLibrary?
Although the NetLibrary collection is fairly small relative to the University Libraries collection of print books, NetLibrary e-books have been selected so that at least a few books are available supporting almost all campus degree programs. About half of the University Libraries' NetLibrary e-books were published after 2000 so the collection is quite current. The University Libraries have purchased these materials to ensure perpetual access. However, NetLibrary's collections also includes public collections of some works that are no longer protected by copyright. These were largely published in the early twentieth century or earlier.
Do the Libraries own all of the NetLibrary books available?
No, NetLibrary sells e-books priced individually. NetLibrary books cost about 50% more than the list price of the print version. The University Libraries have made a substantial investment in e-books from NetLibrary; however, staff have still had to chose titles carefully. Also, NetLibrary's collection is constantly growing. The Libraries expect to continue to learn about and invest in e-books, working hard to identify those which will best enhance campus collections.
