NetLibrary eBooks FAQ

  1. What is NetLibrary?
  2. Why do I need an account?
  3. How do I get an account?
  4. How do I check out books from outside the library?
  5. What kinds of books are available?
  6. What other collections are on the NetLibrary site?
  7. When I search from the NetLibrary site, what collection am I searching?
  8. How long can titles be checked out?
  9. What happens when the loan period expires?
  10. Can I print an eBook?
  11. Do I need special software to read eBooks?
  12. Can I download an eBook and read it offline?
  1. What is NetLibrary?
    MCPL has joined with many other public libraries in Indiana to purchase electronic books (eBooks) from NetLibrary. "eBorrowers" can search, read, and return eBooks over the World Wide Web. This partnership allows us to share resources with other libraries.

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  2. Why do I need an account?
    An account is much like obtaining a library card. It lets you check out or "borrow" an eBook for 2 hours. Once you have created an account, you can check out books from any internet accessible terminal whenever and wherever you want. You will have exclusive use of that book for the loan period.

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  3. How do I get an account?
    You may create an account by going to the Create an Account form at the NetLibrary site. Once you've created an account, you may use your account from any computer connected to the Internet.

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  4. How do I check out books from outside the library?
    After you have an account, you can look for ebooks in the Library Catalog or go directly to NetLibrary. When you use the library catalog to search for ebooks, the catalog will give you the option to preview your choice or check it out. If you go directly to the NetLibrary site, you will see a general page with login fields. Once you enter your user account information, the MCPL name will appear and you will have access to the collection.

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  5. What kinds of books are available?
    For the purchased collection, emphasis was placed on titles that are useful for obtaining pieces of information rather than reading straight through. This collection includes books on computers, legal forms, job hunting, Cliff Notes, and more.

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  6. What other collections are on the netLibrary site?
    A. Public Collection: These are books available for free to anyone in the world and include many classic titles that are no longer under copyright protection. This also includes political speeches and documents such as the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
    B. eBooks not owned by MCPL: These are books the libraries did not purchase for their initial collection.

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  7. When I search from the NetLibrary site, what collection am I searching?
    The first search screen looks only for books in the MCPL collection with the option of including the public collection. Everything you find is available for free once you have created an account. If you also want to search the titles MCPL did not select, go to "power search" and select that option. Remember, though, that these are not available through MCPL's collection.

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  8. How long can titles be checked out?
    The loan period is 2 hours. This may be adjusted in the future as libraries sharing this collection gain a better understanding of user needs.

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  9. What happens when the loan period expires?
    The eBook automatically disappears from your account and will be immediately available to other interested users.
    • No trips to the library!
    • No overdue fees!
    • You can also return the book before the due time.
      • Access the eBook shelf page and select "Return eBook to library" from the pull down menu.

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  10. Can I print an eBook?
    Selected pages can be printed, but you are prohibited from printing entire books. If you attempt to print an entire book, the system displays a copyright infringement notice. After about three warnings you are cut off.

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  11. Do I need special software to read eBooks?
    No, you can view the content on a standard computer that is equipped with internet access.

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  12. Can I download an eBook and read it offline?
    No, the NetLibrary eBook Reader is only available when a computer is actively connected to the Internet.

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For more information, help, or to get started, go to the NetLibrary site.