Ebooks

The Libraries' collection includes a large number of ebooks from a variety of publishers. Most of the ebooks in our collection are readable in your web browser. 

Search for ebooks

Find and access ebooks (online books) through Discover.

Reading on your own e-reader, simultaneous users, and other limitations

Although publishers set general policies for the Libraries' ebook subscriptions, each individual ebook has its own usage limitations. Limitations are usually stated on the publisher's web page for the book. There are a few different limits that may be in place: 

• One or a very few people may be able to access the book simultaneously
• You may not be able to download the ebook; it may only be readable in a web browser
• Downloading and copy-paste may be restricted to short excerpts (for example, "up to 100 pages")
• Downloading may be restricted to DRM-protected formats, such as Adobe Digital Editions, which have time-limited "checkouts"
• Downloads may be unrestricted but require you to download individual chapters rather than the complete book

Some ebooks are unrestricted: you can download a full PDF or EPUB copy of the book without limitation, and read the file with any app.

If downloads are allowed, you will generally be able to load the ebook onto your own device. You will need an appropriate app to read a DRM-protected download. If downloads are not allowed, you'll have to access the book using a web browser.

What about Libby or Overdrive?

The Libraries does not provide access to Libby or Overdrive, but if you are affiliated with the College of Education, the Media and Education Technology Resource Center (METRC) offers access. You can contact METRC if you are having trouble getting access. 

Residents of Wake County can access Libby through the Wake County Public Libraries with a library card. If you live outside of Wake County, your local library may offer Libby access as well.

Kindles and Kindle Books

We have a collection of titles available on the Libraries' Amazon Kindles. If you are affiliated with NC State, you can borrow these Kindles through our technology lending service. To read a book on a Libraries' Kindle, request the book through the catalog (Kindle titles have "KINDLE EBOOK" in their call number) and you'll be able to complete your request at our Kindle request form.