Using eBooks

Summary

This video guides users on how to find and access full-text eBooks through SRJC Libraries, focusing on a specific example, the novel 'Interior Chinatown.' It demonstrates two main search options: using Smart Search or selecting an eBook-specific database. The tutorial covers accessing detailed records, saving information, using permalinks, and exploring full-text options, including Epub format. It also highlights useful features like chapter navigation, keyword searches, and related topics for in-depth research. The video emphasizes ease of access and the ability to use the library’s resources both on-campus and remotely.

Takeaways

• 😀 You can access full-text eBooks from SRJC Libraries off-campus with an internet connection and your SRJC ID and PIN.
• 📚 To search for a specific eBook, visit the library’s main website and use either Smart Search or the Research Databases section.
• 🔍 Smart Search lets you search across all library resources, while Research Databases allows you to specifically filter for eBooks.
• 📖 The recommended databases for eBooks include 'eBook Collection' and 'eBook Community College Collection.' Other databases mostly contain reference books.
• 🔗 The detailed record of an eBook includes key information like title, author, publication details, and citation tools.
• 💾 You can save eBook information to Google Drive, and use the provided permalink as a permanent link for citations.
• 📱 The 'EPUB full text' option is ideal for reading on any device, offering a responsive format that adapts to phones, tablets, and desktops.
• 📑 The eBook offers a table of contents for easy chapter navigation and a 'search within' tool to find specific keywords or phrases in the book.
• 🔍 The 'search within' tool helps locate exact mentions of specific terms, such as character names or topics, within the eBook.
• 🌍 A topical search, like 'Chinatown,' can help explore related content and broaden the understanding of the book’s setting and themes.
• 💬 For additional help with eBook searching, you can always use the library's Online Chat or schedule a research appointment.

Q & A

What is the main benefit of using ebooks at SRJC Libraries?

The main benefit is that you can access the full text of ebooks from off-campus, as long as you have an internet connection and your SRJC ID and PIN.

How can you search for an ebook on SRJC Library's website?

You can search for an ebook by using either Smart Search, which searches across all library resources, or by using the Research Databases option, filtering specifically for ebooks.

What is the recommended way to search for ebooks on SRJC Library's database?

It is recommended to use the 'Ebook Collection' or 'Ebook Community College Collection' databases, as they contain the most relevant ebook titles for students.

What kind of information can you find in the detailed record of an ebook?

In the detailed record, you can find the title, authors, publication information (helpful for citations), and links to access the full text of the ebook.

What is a permalink, and why is it useful?

A permalink is a permanent link to a specific record in the library catalog. It is useful for keeping a consistent URL to the ebook record for citation purposes.

What is the advantage of using the EPUB format for ebooks?

The EPUB format is responsive, meaning the text adjusts to fit different screen sizes, making it easier to read on devices such as phones, tablets, or desktops.

What features are available when reading an ebook in EPUB format?

In EPUB format, you can navigate by chapter using the table of contents, search for specific phrases within the text, and view the book page by page.

How does the 'search within' feature work in an ebook?

The 'search within' feature allows you to search for specific keywords or phrases in the ebook, showing you all the occurrences of that term in the book, ranked by relevance.

How can you find information about the setting of the novel *Interior Chinatown*?

You can search for keywords like 'Chinatown' in the ebook to find relevant contextual information about the setting, such as books and history related to Chinatowns around the world.

What should you do if you need help finding or accessing ebooks?

If you have questions, you can use the Online Chat feature on the main library website or schedule a research appointment for further assistance.