San Diego Public Library's
eBooks

The San Diego Public Library and its partners OverDrive and EBSCO are excited to offer downloadable eBooks to our customers. Read and use eBooks on your computer, or using a portable device, software, or eReader.

The library's eBooks and other items in our eCollection are accessible from the Library's Catalog.

	E-Books by OverDrive
	A selection of popular titles and award winning authors...
	OverDrive Overview Basics on access, features, and other help to get the most out of the OverDrive collection.
click image for details	Search the OverDrive eBook collection.

	E-Books by EBSCO
	A selection of popular topics including literature, computers, travel, psychology and more...
	eBooks Overview Basics on access, features, and other help to get the most out of the eBook collection.
click image for details	Search the eBook collection.

Sony is providing eReaders for check out at five San Diego Public Libraries. This exciting partnership places the San Diego Public Library at the forefront in making e-reader content and technologies available to patrons. While many library systems offer e-books for loan, the Readers for Check-out Program positions San Diego as one of the first public library systems in the nation to make e-reader devices available for check-out. To find out more about checking out an eReader, placing a hold, or additional details about this program, call one of these participating locations: the Central Library and the Carmel Valley, City Heights/Weingart, Mission Valley, North University Community and Rancho Bernardo branch libraries. How to download books to the Sony eReader (PDF) eReader Rules and Agreement (PDF)

Our OverDrive eBook Collection

The San Diego Public Library offers users eBooks from OverDrive. This page provides an introduction on how to access and use these eBooks.

Access to OverDrive eBooks

You can access our OverDrive eBooks from any Internet-connected computer; you will need your Library card number and PIN to use the checkout and other services.

OverDrive eBooks Basics

How to Find OverDrive eBooks

• Finding eBooks in the Library Catalog
  You can find our OverDrive eBook titles by searching the Library Catalog for "OverDrive and eBook." You may also come across eBooks in your normal Library Catalog searches for other library materials. Either way, you will be able to view and, in some cases, checkout and download an eBook.
• Finding eBooks in our Digital Media Library at OverDrive
  You can find eBooks on OverDrive by visiting the site and searching or browsing for eBooks. You can also use the Quick Search option on the home page of the site. Or, you can use the Advanced Search option to construct a more complex search; select the format as EPUB to just see the OverDrive eBooks.

What if All Copies are being Read or are Checked Out?

A Quick Look at OverDrive eBook Collection Features

• You can choose a checkout period of 21 days, 14 days, or 7 days.
• Maximum number of items checked out at one time is 5.
• OverDrive eBook downloads are allowed from home/remote locations, but not in the libraries.
• Allows transfer to most portable eReader devices.
• Able to place holds on titles that are checked out.
• No renewals. OverDrive eBooks can be checked in early.

Downloading eBooks and Software Help

Need additional help with OverDrive eBooks?

Our EBSCO eBook Collection

	The San Diego Public Library offers users eBooks from EBSCO. This page provides an introduction on how to access and use eBooks.
Select the image to link to the collection

Access to EBSCO eBook Collection

You can access eBooks from any Internet-connected computer using your Library card number and PIN. To create a new account with eBooks, users should visit the Library's Research Databases' page, and select eBook Collection. You will find it listed under "Books & Reading" and also "by title under E."

Creating an eBook Collection Account

EBSCO eBook accounts are free for San Diego Public Library patrons. The first time you wish to check out an eBook, EBSCO will ask you to create an account.

How to Find EBSCO eBooks

• You can find eBook titles by searching the Library Catalog for eBooks (see below). You may also come across eBooks in your normal searches for other library materials. Either way, you will be able to view and, in some cases, download an eBook.

• You can find eBooks using the Basic Search option.

How to Use Your eBook Search Results

Once you retrieve a list of Search Results from the eBook Collection, you can immediately read a full-text eBook title. You can also view additional information about an eBook title by selecting the Show Details' link.

What if All Copies are Being Read or are Checked Out?

You can place a Hold on an eBook. You will be notified via e-mail when your Holds are ready. You will have 2 days to check-out that title before the Hold expires, and the title is passed to the next patron in line. You can view your place in line for each title or cancel a Hold request at any time by logging into our eBooks site and viewing your account.

You can have up to 40 open hold requests for eBooks, and may have 3 �held� items at a time. In cases where you have three held items and another item becomes available, the patron behind you in the Hold queue for that item will jump you in line.

Checkout Period for eBooks

Each title may have a special checkout time limit, which will be displayed for you. The majority of eBooks that may be checked out will have a 1 week checkout, though some items may have a different checkout period. See the details on each eBook for the checkout time limit.

Need help with eBooks?

Please contact Library staff at any library location or online by using the Ask the Library service.