We are currently closed due to concerns about Covid-19. See our update on services for more information. Need research assistance? Contact us.

eBooks
There are many distinct collections of eBooks available to you. By starting with USearch, you can search most collections (except ProQuest Ebook Central) at once. You will not know which vendor is supplying access to the eBook until you view the item. The largest collections and their platforms are noted in the other tabs as well as information on navigating the loan periods and downloading parameters. You can also start your search directly with one of the eBook collection platforms; just follow the links in the tabs and enter your NetID.
Searching for eBooks
Narrowing Your Search Using Facets
1. Start your search by selecting "All Libraries" and entering a keyword, title, author, or subject.
2. Once your search results appear, you can refine your search using the 'Availability' facet. Select 'Full Text Online.' Then, further refine your search results using the 'Format' facet by selecting 'Books'. Finally, select the 'Apply Filters' button to apply these limits.
3. Your results will load again and now will only include ebooks. You can access any of interest by clicking on the title and the link(s) within the record. You will likely need to enter your NetID to access most.
* For more information about finding and using ebooks, see our Finding Online Resources: Ebooks guide.
Safari Books
Garrett-Evangelical patrons can access Safari Books which contains thousands of eBooks. It can be searched directly by clicking on the link below. Available eBooks from Safari Books will also display in your USearch. You can simply click the Safari Books link in the item record to access the eBook directly.
Requirements
To access Safari Books, you will need to set up an account with your Garrett-Evangelical email address. You can do this by entering your email the first time you open Safari Books. It is important that you enter your garrett.edu email. Once you have done this, Safari Books will open, and you can search freely for available eBooks.
Please note, you will need to confirm your account as soon as possible. To do this, simply follow the steps in the confirmation email that you receive. Once you have done this, you will be an official user and can log into Safari Books directly to access additional eBooks in the future.
Availability
Safari Books is available anywhere, as long as you have your garrett.edu log in credentials.
There is also an app that you can download and utilize easily. The app allows you to access content while you are offline as well.
Loan Periods
Safari Books does not loan books; instead, they are available to you at anytime. You can add sections to your playlist or check your history. You can highlight and utilize other features on any eBooks that you view as well.
Safari Books Support
You can use the Safari Books Support Center anytime. To do so, click the link below, or select the Support tab in Safari Books.
ProQuest Ebook Central
To find ebooks that are available through ProQuest Ebook Central, you will have to search their collection directly. These ebooks will not appear when you search in USearch.
Online Reading Requirements & Availability
Requirements
NetID
You’ll be prompted to enter your NetID when opening the ProQuest Ebook Central platform.
Availability
Through a browser anytime.
Offline Reading Requirements & Loan Periods
Computer Downloading
Adobe Digital Editions (free)
You will need this application to view the eBook once it is downloaded (free and links to download prompted). You will be asked to enter or create an Adobe ID upon opening the application the first time.
Download Adobe Digital Edition (available for Windows, Mac, Apple, and Android)
Loan Periods
Offline/Downloading Reading
*Each eBook has an Availability section displayed within the citation that clearly states the availability range of access. Some are unlimited, meaning several users at once can download a title. Some are only available to download for one user at a time.
Portions of ebooks can be downloaded as a PDF, do not expire, and can be printed.
Support
ProQuest Ebook Central Support Pages
EBSCOhost eBook Collection
Search EBSCOhost's eBook Collection
Online Reading Requirements & Availability
Requirements
NetID
You will be prompted to enter your NetID when opening the EBSCOhost eBook platform.
EBSCOhost account (free)
You are not required to create an EBSCO account to read eBooks directly through your browser. However, creating a personal account with EBSCO gives you access to additional features such as downloading ebooks, saving searches and eBook titles into folders for future use or sharing with others. Your account also allows you to create and save notes within eBooks.
Availability
Through a browser anytime.
Offline Reading Requirements & Loan Periods
Requirements
EBSCOhost account (free) if you want to take advantage of all ebook features that are available.
Computer Downloading
Adobe Digital Editions (free)
You will need this application to view the eBook once it is downloaded (free and links to download prompted). You will be asked to enter or create an Adobe ID upon opening the application the first time.
Download Adobe Digital Edition (available for Windows, Mac, Apple, and Android)
Loan Periods
Offline/Downloading Reading
Loan periods will vary by ebook/vendor. Some ebooks are unlimited, meaning several users at once can download a title. Some are only available to download for one user at a time. You will be able to view and select your options before you download the ebook.
Entire book check out period is between 1 to 7 days.
Portions of ebooks can be downloaded as a PDF. The number of pages varies by publisher, do not expire, and can be printed.
Support
Support Pages
EBSCOhost eBook Support Page
Oxford Scholarship Online
Search Oxford Scholarship Online
Online Reading Requirements & Availability
Requirements
NetID
You will be prompted to enter your NetID when opening Oxford Scholarship Online through the link above.
Oxford Scholarship Online account (free)
Availability
Through a browser anytime.
Offline Reading Requirements & Loan Periods
Requirements
An Oxford Scholarship Online account is not required but is free and allows you to save searches and items for later.
Computer Downloading
Limited portions of each title are available for downloading in a PDF format. However, downloading an entire title is not an available option with this resource. Once you download items, you can print and save these.
Mobile Device Downloading
Limited portions of each title are available for downloading in a PDF format. However, downloading an entire title is not an available option.
Loan Periods
This collection does not have loan periods; rather, the content is intended to be read online anytime.
Support
Support Pages
EReference Books: Collections
Gale Virtual Reference Library: Religion
This resource is an easy to navigate collection of encyclopedias in religion. It includes the Encyclopedia of Religion/Philosophy and the New Catholic Encyclopedia.
Gale Virtual Reference Library: Religion
Oxford Reference Online
This resource contains concise definitions to topical overviews written by well-known scholars. Overviews often guide researchers to the most important and more extensive works on a topic. Search the entire collection or limit your search to the subject of religion.
Oxford Reference Online: Religion
Oxford Bibliographies Online
This resource contains extensive entries written by well-known scholars that may help guide researchers to the most important works on a topic. This includes African American studies, Biblical studies, and various world religions studies. Coverage of new subject areas is added regularly.
Wiley Online Library: Religion & Theology
This is a collection of handbooks, encyclopedias, and dictionaries written and edited by well-known scholars in many areas of religion. It includes broad coverage of topics such as religious ethics, theology, history of religion, spirituality, biblical studies, and the social sciences and religion.
Wiley Online Library: Religion & Theology
EReference Books: Individual Titles
Encyclopedia of Religion
This is the 2nd edition of an important 15 volume reference work in religion. Coverage extends to world religions and religious practices and strives for a cross-cultural perspective.
New Catholic Encyclopedia
This is the 2nd edition of a standard reference work with articles on theology, philosophy, saints, important religious and literary figures, and great coverage of the arts and religion.
Encyclopedia of American Religions
This is a comprehensive survey of religious groups in the United States and Canada. The encyclopedia contains introductory and historical essays, as well as a directory listing with information on over 2300 religious groups.