What is an ebook?

An ebook (or e-book, or e book) is an electronic version of a book or resource designed to be read on a digital device, like a laptop or a tablet. For example this could be a book (either a chapter from a book, or a whole book). You can also read newspapers papers online and academic journals - these are called ejournals.

You can browse ebooks that the University has access to by using NELSON. We have a guide showing how to search NELSON for ebooks.

There are lots of benefits to using ebooks;

• you can read them anywhere without needing to carry heavy books
• they often have a search function so you don't need to look all through the book to find what you want
• you don't need to remember to return them or make a special trip
• they often have an underline or annotate function allowing you to highlight important information or have your notes in the book, something you shouldn't be doing with regular library books but we encourage with ebooks!

I need some help searching for and using ebooks

The Academic Librarians are experts at looking for and using sources and they will be happy to help you:

• In-person at Waterside
• Or online, using Microsoft Teams.

We have a help guide with videos, showing you how to book a tutorial and what to expect when you attend a tutorial. There is also lots of information if you have never used a library before, not for a long time, or need help using an academic library.