EBL (Electronic Book Library) Guide
FIU EBL EBook Library
What is EBL?
EBL (Electronic Book Library) is a online database of electronic books that the FIU Libraries now subscribes to. The collection currently only consists of about 30 titles, but continues to grow. Subjects currently covered include technology, the sciences, mathematics, and some social sciences.
EBL titles cab be borrowed and checked out just like print books-- they can be read online or downloaded and read via PDF format on your computer.
Additional features include an in-browser dictionary, the ability to create and export notes (via RefWorks or email), and a "read aloud" tool that will read the text to you.
Why do I see a login screen for Off-Campus Access even though I'm on campus?
EBL access is restricted to current students, staff and faculty of Florida International University, so we need to confirm your status whether you are on or off campus.
How do I access an ebook? Do I need an account to access EBL?
Enter EBL using the link at the top of the page, from the eBook Portal, or from one of the EBL links we've loaded into our Library Catalog. You will be asked for your library card number before being taken to the EBL site. Once you enter the service, you will not be required to enter additional account information to use the ebooks.
You can search for books using either the simple search tool (title, author, keyword) or by following the links to the full text search and advanced versions, or you can browse lists of books by category/subject. If you used an EBL link from a record in the Library Catalog, you will then be taken directly to the book described in that record.
Do I need special software or hardware to read ebooks online?
EBL can be accessed using any Internet browser. EBL provides access to ebooks in Adobe PDF format so in order to view EBL ebooks, you will need to ensure that you have the correct version of Adobe Reader installed on your computer (version 6.0.2 or higher for Windows or 7.0 for Mac).
If you download Adobe Reader 8, you then also need to download Adobe Digital Edition - Flash Player.
Additional information can be found at the EBL Getting Started support page, once logged into the site.
Can I download ebooks to my hand held device?
No. Our subscription is not enabled for downloading ebooks at this time.
Can I print from EBL?
Yes, but because of copyright, there are restrictions as to how much of the book you can print or copy. Printing from EBL is restricted to 20% of the total pages of the ebook, per user. However, print permissions in excess of this are sometimes granted by the publisher.
Likewise, copying and pasting content is restricted to 5% of the total pages of the ebook, per user. However, copy and paste permissions in excess of this are also sometimes granted by the publisher.
NOTE: The EBL system keeps track of borrowing as well as printing and displays a message to you if the limit is reached. In the case of access within the online reader, EBL monitors actual individual usage per title for 6 weeks, and reduces printing according to actual printing usage. If you try to print beyond 20% of any title you will receive a message telling you that you have used all of your print permissions for the ebook.
In the case of offline access, the printing restriction will be reduced to half (10% of pages) on a second downloaded loan within a 6 week period, and disallowed on subsequent downloads.
Wow, this is a lot of information! What if I still need help?
For additional help using EBL, please see EBL's Ebook Library User Guide, get help from a librarian via Ask a Librarian, or contact the Reference Desks at UP Campus (305.348.2454) or BBC Campus (305.919.5726).
adapted from University of Texas at Austin