The University Library has taken a major step forward in its use of technology to support learning and teaching in the 21st century. Electronic books at Dundee are now a reality, with two new collections of 24/7, globally-accessible publications available to staff and students on campus and remotely.
There are real benefits to both students and staff in using e-books: they support online and distance l earning, all of the students on a course can access a book at the same time, they can be read whenever they are needed regardless of Library opening hours, they can't be damaged or lost and they return themselves automatically, which means no more fines!
Earlier in the year, the Library ran a successful trial of Ebrary, another major supplier of e-books. Off campus access to Ebrary is now available via a password-protected website (Athens authentication is expected in early 2004). This collection covers: Humanities, Life & Physical Sciences, Social & Behavioural Sciences, Computers & Technology and Economics & Business. In total, there are more than 13,000 e-books available to the University from Ebrary.
The newest addition to the University's electronic collection, NetLibrary is the world’s largest supplier of electronic books. There are more than 100 Library e-books that have been bought by the University, plus access to thousands of free titles. Remote access to NetLibrary is available to any student or staff member with a personal Athens account.
Links to the University’s NetLibrary and Ebrary collections can be found from the Library web pages at www.dundee.ac.uk/library/e-books.html. NetLibrary books can be linked to directly from the web-based version of the Library catalogue. Direct links to Ebrary titles are planned for 2004.
If you would like more information about these exciting developments, please contact your department’s liaison librarian. Library staff can provide support and training for any interested member of staff or students.
It is vital that the Library receives feedback from staff and students on their use of the new e-books collection. Please let Library staff know what you think by completing the online evaluation forms available from the e-books section of the Library web pages.