What is an eBook?
An eBook is the digital version of a print book that can be read on a variety of devices such as PCs, Macs, laptops, supported PDAs, and wireless devices. This site offers eBooks in the Adobe Reader format. To access eBooks at Maryland’s Digital eLibrary Consortium, you will need:

  • A valid library card
  • Access to the Internet (outside the library)
  • Free reader software for the device on which you wish to read your eBook

eBooks can be enjoyed at home, at work, or when you travel, but are not for use on the computers in your library.

When will the product be available?
The product is currently available at: Maryland’s Digital eLibrary Consortium. The product will become available through the library catalog in the near future.

How do I get an eBook?
They are downloadable from Maryland’s Digital eLibrary Consortium or by clicking on Downloadable Ebooks link from our Web page and then following instructions from the “Help” page.

What type of materials are available?
Titles include fiction & non-fiction titles. Currently all titles are in the Adobe Reader format, however, MOBI and audio (mp3) titles will be added later.

Information on checkouts:

  • Materials can be borrowed for 21 days.
  • A customer has 3 days to download an item that was on hold after receiving email notification.
  • Only 1 copy of a specific title can be downloaded per user.
  • Items do not need to be returned, they are automatically available after the loan period has expired. If a customer wants to return a copy, instructions are available on the “Help” page (which is listed below).

Can titles be printed?
Some, limited printing may be allowed. This is controlled by the publisher and will vary from title to title. A customer really will not know if they can print a whole title or from a title until they try.

How were these titles acquired?
Costs of titles purchased and actual selections are shared among a consortium of 12 libraries systems in Maryland including the tri-county system of SMRLA (Southern Maryland Regional Library Association) which consists of Charles, Calvert and St Mary’s Counties.

Where can I get more info about the product?
You can go to Maryland’s Digital eLibrary Consortium, where you will find a list of help topics.