Finding resources online : ebooks and Course Collections

Question: What is an ebook?
Answer: An ebook is an electronic version of a printed book that can be read on a computer or handheld device.
Question: What is a Course Collection item?
Answer: A Course Collection items, these are high demand items recommended for specific courses.

Before you start searching for ebooks or Course Collection items make sure that you are logged into VPN.

ebooks
There are several ways that you can do your search for an ebook:
• If you know the name of the author and title of the book – use the last name of the author and a few of the main words from the title
• If you just know the title – use a few of the main words from the title
• If you don’t know a specific book but want to find books on your subject – use a few of the main words which best describe it.
• If you know the author but are not sure of the title – use the last name of the author and change the option in this box to author.
• Whichever way you search remember to … select and tick ebooks only!
From the list of books that you are shown you can choose the one that you want and click on the link to go straight to it on the publisher’s or online provider’s website.
The way ebooks look on your device will vary depending on the publisher’s website. Don’t worry - there will be common features for each ebook. Including a contents list, overview of the ebook or individual chapters and options to view the ebook online or download a chapter or section as a pdf document.
Potential restrictions: some publishers restrict the number of users who can read an ebook at any one time, try again later. If you have any problems using an ebook contact the library using one of the methods at the end of this document.

Course collections

Login in to WebCat using your University Login.
Select Course Collections.
You can search by:
• Lecturer
• Course code (also called module code)
• Course name (also called module name)
For example:
Let’s search by Course/module code.
Type in the code GEOG1002 into the search box and then click on the Search by Course Code button.
In your search results you will see the Course collection items selected for that course/module.
If an item has the phrase [electronic resource] included after the title and the word internet before the course/module code, then you will be able to view it online.
Click on the title to open the full view of the Item Details.
Click on the Link: full text access available and the item will open for you to read.

Build and develop essential skills for studying online

If you need any further help with ebooks or Course collection items
Use our online Chat Service to contact library staff. Look for the Chat button on our Library website.