FAQs from our Ask a Librarian ServiceQ: What is an ebook?
A: Simply, an ebook is "a book composed in or converted to digital format for display on a computer screen or handheld device" (Merriam-Webster, 2017, para. 1)
Q: Is an ebook "as good" as a print book to cite for an assignment?
A: Logically from the above definition, an ebook is "as good" as a print book to cite for your assignments, as the 'e' just refers to its electronic format. What matters is the content of the book. An ebook may be more suited for your assignment than a print book, and vice-versa.
Q: Can I use an Augusta University Libraries ebook on my device?
A: It depends on various factors:
What format is the ebook? Is it a .TXT, .PDF or ePub? What format(s) does your device accept?
How much can you download? A chapter, a selection, or the whole book?
If the book isn't in the correct format for your device, can it be converted using an ebook conversion application? There are many available online.
If the ebook is in the correct format or can be converted to the correct format for your device, then quite likely you will be able to transfer it to your device for the applicable loan period. Check your user guide for more information.
- Answer adapted from UCI Libraries (2017, para. 3)
Q: Why can I only print or copy a limited amount of pages on many eBooks?
A: Only a certain amount of pages can be printed or copied from eBooks that are within copyright.
Digital rights management (DRM) is used to ensure that users only reproduce what would be considered "fair use" for titles within copyright.
If the eBook is out of copyright, or the publisher has given permission, you should be able to print or copy the entire text.
Find print and ebooks, other types of sources including DVDs, online videos, eJournals, print journals, and more found in the libraries (not journal articles)
Tip! When it launches into the full GIL-Find catalog, use the "Full Access Online" limiter on the side to retrieve materials available electronically.
What is GIL-Find?
GIL-Find is a single search tool to find books, eBooks, journal titles, videos, audio books, government documents, and more.
When searching in GIL-Find you are searching:
The Guest link in the top right corner of the GIL-FIND Search page. Then click Sign In.
Signing In allows you to:
Note: You should see your name appear in the top right of the screen when you sign into your account successfully. If you see GUEST, please contact the Access Services desk for either Greenblatt or Reese Library for assistance.
To start your search, select the group of collections you would like to search by changing the scope in the drop-down menu.
If you do not select the scope, it defaults to searching Augusta University
You can either search Augusta University or within the entire University System of Georgia (USG). If you select:
You can also search by ISBN from the GIL-Find basic search. Just be sure to remove spaces or hyphens in the number.
GIL-Find searches a vast amount of information, the filters you see on the left under Tweak My Results are pieces of metadata related to your search result. Because they are related to what you searched, the list of filters will change with every search. Selecting a filter narrows the results to just items that include the subject or author.
Example
Say you are looking for a book about dogs. If we search for "dogs" we get nearly 2,000 results.
You know you want to check out from Reese Library, so the first filter you can click is "Available at AUGUSTA", this will weed out electronic resources such as eBooks or eJournals.
You can select criteria to narrow your results by choosing options under Availability, Format, Creation Date, Library, Location, Classification, Language, and Subject. With each selection of additional criteria, your results will be fewer but tailored.
In this era of technology, there is still much to be said for the value of walking through the library stacks, and coming upon a book you were not searching for. Sometimes just the title or color can catch your eye and introduce you to a new idea, new author, or new perspective.
While not a replacement for the full library experience, the virtual browse feature within GIL-Find can also lead to the serendipitous discoveries...give it a try! You can also browse by call number, author, or subject.
Once you have found a book which you feel may be useful, you will see the virtual browse within the record:
When searching in GIL-Find, you will see links that say Get It or View Online for different titles.
From the GIL-Find platform you can export single citations into:
RIS Format (EndNote software, and other citation management software)
EndNote Online (formerly known as EndNote Web)
EasyBib
RefWorks
BibTeX format
This may come in handy when adding citations to your research paper or presentation, other publication, PACT! account, or CV.
Exporting a single citation from is much easier in the new GIL-Find system.
Export, print, or e-mailing multiple titles is easiest when you have saved these titles to your favorites pinboard.
The favorites pinboard works similarly to the previous GIL-Find's eShelf.
Do I need to be logged in?
You do not need to be logged in to do this, but if you are not logged in, the system will not remember your favorites the next time you access the catalog.
Handbooks on Social Sciences topics including business & management, education, geography, politics & international relations, psychology, research methods & evaluation, social work & social policy, and sociology.