Accessing the eBook Collection
First, think about how you wish to use eBooks. If you only wish to search and browse eBooks, you will not need to create an account. In this case, skip to 'Searching for an eBook' to get started. If, however, you wish to check out eBooks for an extended time and/or access them using a computer with an Internet connection, you will need to create an account that identifies you as an authorized user.
Creating an eBook account
Establishing an account allows you to check out an eBook or access it remotely, but you should first create the account from within your local North Lanarkshire library or Open Learning Centre.
How to create an account:
- Ask your Open Learning Advisor how to access the web page with the 'Create an Account' function.
- Access the log-in page by clicking here and use the Create an Account link.
- Enter your identifying information (user name, password, email address).
- Select the 'Submit' button.
Logging-in
Each time you wish to check-out an eBook, or access it remotely, you must first log-in.
How to log-in:
- Go to the log-in page and enter your user name and password on the right side of the screen.
- Select the red 'Log In' button.
- You now have access to eBooks.
- Searching for an eBook
Start your search in one of two places:
Keyword Search
The Keyword Search box is located at the top right of your browser window on the main navigation bar. A keyword search allows you to search for a word or phrase in the title, author, Library of Congress subject heading, publisher, and ISBN fields. To perform a keyword search, enter an appropriate search term.
Note: To search for a phrase, submit your search in quotes – for example, “formulae in excel.”
Select the 'Go' button to display search results.
Advanced search
To perform a more advanced search, fill in any or all of the fields that appear on the home page, including: Title; Author; Subject; Keywords; Full text; Publisher; Pub Year; and ISBN.
Note: To search for a phrase, submit your search in quotes – for example, “formulae in excel.”
Select the red 'Search' button to display search results.
You have the option to add titles to a personal collection called 'My Favorites', a stored list that allows you to access titles at a later time without doing another search. Just select the box to the left of each title and click the red 'Add' button.
Browsing an eBook
You may browse an eBook without logging-in. Browsing an eBook is the equivalent of taking a book off the shelf and looking through it. While you are actively using it, no other user will have access to it. If 15 minutes elapses without active use, the book is “put back on the shelf ”and another user will have access.
How to browse an eBook:
- Search for an eBook.
- Select the eBook title from your search results to display the eBook Summary page.
- Select 'Browse this eBook Online' and the book will be displayed.
To learn how to use an eBook, select the 'Help' tab at the top of your screen.
Checking-out an eBook
To check out an eBook, you must first log in. Checking out an eBook gives you exclusive use of the eBook for the checkout period determined by your library or organization. The eBook is automatically returned when the checkout period expires.
How to check-out an eBook:
- Search for an eBook.
- Select the eBook title from your search results to display the eBook Summary page.
- Select the 'Check out and read online' link. This option automatically checks-out the title and places it on your eBookshelf. (To access your eBookshelf, you must be logged-in. You can either select the eBookshelf link on the right side of the screen, or the button located on the navigation bar at the top of the home page.)
Pages in this Section:
Open Learning Packs
Electronic Books
Computer Fun
Course Checklists available to download
FAQ's – Frequently Asked Questions
Web Words – our internet jargon buster