Online Resource of the Month

July-August 2006

Each month, your SDPL features one of our online premium resources, paid for by SDPL, and available at the locations indicated.

The San Diego Public Library offers patrons and users eBooks from NetLibrary.

What is NetLibrary?

NetLibrary is a collection of digital (electronic) books, in online or downloadable formats. In most cases, the format of the books is Portable Document Format (PDF). In most cases, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader (free to download) to view the files.

How do I access NetLibrary eBooks?

You can access NetLibrary eBooks from any Internet-connected computer using your Library card number and PIN.

To create a new account with NetLibrary, users should visit the Library's Articles & Databases' page, and select NetLibrary. You will find it listed by subject under "Books & Reading" and also "by title under N."

NetLibrary Demo

If you are new to eBooks, please take a minute to view the NetLibrary demo. This seven minute, self-guided tour covers NetLibrary basics from creating an account to checking out an eBook.

Creating a NetLibrary Account
NetLibrary eBooks accounts are free for San Diego Public Library patrons. The first time you wish to check out an eBook, NetLibrary will ask you to create an account.

How to Find eBooks

• Finding eBooks in the Library Catalog
  
  o  You can find eBook titles by searching the Library Catalog for eBooks    (see below). You may also come across eBooks in your normal searches    for other library materials. Either way, you will be able to view and, in    some cases, download an eBook.

• Finding eBooks in NetLibrary
  
  o  You can find eBooks on NetLibrary by using the Basic Search option.    Or, you can use the Advanced Search option to construct a more    complex search.

How to Use Your NetLibrary Search Results

Once you retrieve a list of Search Results from NetLibrary, you can immediately read a full-text eBook title. You can also view additional information about an eBook title by selecting the Show Details' link.

What if All Copies are Being Read or are Checked Out?

If you see the message "All copies are in use," it means that other users are viewing all the full-text eBook copies of the title that we own. You can view the Table of Contents for the full-text eBook title, and you can choose to be notified by email when a copy of the title becomes available.

Checkout Period for eBooks

Each title may have a special checkout time limit, which will be displayed for you with the eBook's Details. Most items may be checked out for three days.

Downloading eBooks

Downloading eBooks to read them offline is easy to do. Follow the instructions online for downloading, or consult the NetLibrary HELP link about downloading eBooks. Note: eBooks should ONLY be downloaded to your personal computer or device. They will not download to public Library computer.

Need help with NetLibrary?

For specialized help in using NetLibrary, please access the NetLibrary Help instructions for using the service and the eBooks. Once you are connected to NetLibrary, just look for the HELP link.

If you need further help, please contact Library staff at any library location or online by using theAsk the Library service.