What is an eBook?
The published books and research materials in digital (electronic) format are known as eBooks. They are read on a computer screen or eBook reader devices.

Does the library have eBooks?
Yes. Our collection consists of a wide range of reference books, textbooks, and research materials in various subjects.

Can I download these eBooks to my computer?
No. Currently netLibrary eBooks are read on the web using an Internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Our netLibrary eBooks cannot be downloaded to eBook reader devices or eBook reader software like Adobe Acrobat Reader.

How do I search for eBooks available through the library?
All eBooks can be searched using the library catalog or netLibrary website (www.netlibrary.com). There are several ways to search for e-books.

Method 1 (specific to eBooks only): This is the easiest method. Please go to the netLibrary website using a BHSU computer or Internet connection provided by the University or your home computer (if you have already setup a netLibrary account). You can search eBooks using netLibrary website.

Method 2 (specific to eBooks only): At the top of each library web page, in the green bar, you may search the library catalog. Please type "netlibrary" (without quotes) in the text field and select "keyword" and "BHSU Library" from the drop down menus. The result will display all the e-books (8,797 in number) from our catalog. Now click on "Limit Search" button. On the next page you can refine the search using the keywords, title, or author. If more than one record is returned then click "Display Records" button. You can now click on individual records. On the next page, you will see a complete description of the title you selected with an electronic link (web address). Please click on the electronic link (web address) which will take you to the netLibrary website where you can browse or check out your eBook.

Method 3: At the top of each library web page, in the green bar, you may search the library catalog. Please type a keyword or title or author's name in the text field. If a book is available in electronic format then its description will show an electronic link (web address). Please click the link which will take you to the netLibrary website where you can browse or check out the e-book.

How do I check out an eBook on netLibrary website?
Please click "check out" link on netLibrary website. Enter your netLibrary username and password when prompted. If you are checking out an eBook for the first time then you will need to setup a netLibrary account. On the login page of netLibrary website, click on "create a new account" link. Please fill out and submit the registration form. Your account is setup immediately. Please remember your username and password for future use of the netLibrary account.

What is the difference between browse and checkout options on netLibrary website?
The browse option is meant for a short term (a few minutes or so) use of an eBook. You don't need to create a netLibrary account to browse a book. You cannot place bookmarks and notes on the eBook using browse option.

If you need an eBook for a longer duration, please use the checkout option. You will need to create a netLibrary account for checking out an e-book. Currently, netLibrary books are checked out for 4 hours. You can add bookmarks and notes to an eBook with the checkout option. When you are done reading a book that is checked out, please check the book in on the netLibrary website.

Can I access eBooks from my home computer?
Yes. eBooks can be accessed outside the BHSU campus. You must first setup an account with the netLibrary website using a BHSU computer or Internet connection provided by the University. After your netLibrary account is setup, you can use your home computer to access netLibrary eBooks. Please remember your username and password for future use of the netLibrary account.

Can I put a reserve on an eBook title?
No. At this time netLibrary does not have a provision for putting reserves on a title that is being used by someone else. When an eBook is checked out, patrons can simply click on the request notification link and provide netLibrary with an email address. When the e-book is once again available, netLibrary automatically sends patrons an email that includes the title of the e-book and a direct link to the eBook's summary page.

If you have questions about eBooks, please contact the library.