LibGuides: eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eReaders: Downloadable eBooks @ SPC Libraries

eBooks at SPC Libraries

Where can I access the SPC Libraries e-books or e-audiobooks?

You can locate e-books and e-audiobooks in several different ways. The first way is to use the Library Catalog. You can search by keyword, subject area, author, or title. Your results list will include both electronic books/audiobooks, as well as print materials which can be found at the campus libraries

The second way to locate e-books and e-audiobooks is directly through the Library's databases EBSCO eBooks
(ebooks) or Overdrive Digital Media (eBooks and eAudiobooks). Each database will require you to set up your own personalized account as well as using your SPC Student/Staff ID number for initial access. For more information, please see the SPC eBooks Tutorials or SPC eAudiobooks Tutorials pages.

Which e-reader device or handheld device can I use?

SPC Libraries purchase e-books and e-audiobooks from multiple vendors including NetLibrary and Overdrive Digital Media. For information on e-reader compatibility, please see the SPC eBooks Tutorials or SPC eAudiobooks Tutorials pages.

Does it cost anything to download the e-books?

Downloading e-books through the SPC Library catalog is free for current SPC students and staff. To view the book, you will need to enter the following information:

Borrower ID: Your Student (or Staff) Number

Password: The last 4 digits of your Social Security Number

How long can I keep an e-book or e-audiobook or what happens after my check-out period?

Checkout time for e-books vary by type, publisher, and vendor. For more information, please visit the SPC eBooks Tutorials or SPC eAudiobooks Tutorials pages.

Are there any e-reader devices that will NOT work with the e-books?

Some e-books may not be compatible with all e-readers such as the Amazon Kindle. For more information, please visit the SPC eBooks Tutorials or SPC eAudiobooks Tutorials pages.page.

What type of e-reader should I buy?

There are many brands and varieties of e-readers available. Please visit the eReader Devices page for a listing of various e-readers and reviews. This material was originally compiled by Christopher Rumbaugh, reference librarian at Corvallis-Benton County Public Library

What additional web sites have free e-books for me to download?

A compilation of free e-books is available on the Free Ebooks on the Web page. This material was originally compiled by Christopher Rumbaugh, reference librarian at Corvallis-Benton County Public Library

About Adobe Digital Editions

By Seth Rosenblatt, CNET Senior Associate Editor

Credit

This guide is originally based on Christopher Rumbaugh's Ebooks from Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Content is re-used with permission from the author.

SPC's Guides

Please note: SPC's Library Blogs provide links to web sites not maintained by SPC. SPC does not accept responsibility for the content, practices or policies found on any external site.

Quick guide to ebook formats

What is Digital Rights Management (DRM)?

epub
An open e-book standard created by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF). It features reflowable text, inline images and the ability to use Digital Rights Management (DRM) such as Adobe Digital Editions.
azw
Amazon's propietary DRM restricted format.
pdf
A document sharing format created in the early 90s. It is best for highly formatted content and has the ability to use Digital Rights Management (DRM) such as Adobe Digital Editions.
mobi
A format primarily designed for PDAs and older mobile devices. Also used on the Kindle.
lrf
LRF, LRS, LRX are Sony's proprietary formats. They have been superseded by Sony's acceptance of epub as the default format in their ebook store.

Consumer Reports ratings on ereaders

Consumer Reports seems to really like the Amazon Kindle. Although the Kindle is a very nice ereader, it is NOT compatible with many SPC Library ebooks. Check our Reader Devices page for compatible device.