We’re making a change to how you log in to Library services. To help prepare, please make sure we have your current email address. LEARN MORE ›

Help

General usage 

ebooks

General usage

I have a Library card but I can't log in to the databases. Why not?

To use the databases from offsite you must be a NSW resident and have a current Library card.

Try clearing your cookies and cache and restarting your browser.

If you are in the Library, you could try logging into a different computer.

If you are still having problems accessing the databases, please contact us.

Please include the following information:

  • the database you are trying to log in to
  • your Library card number
  • your contact details

How do I get a password to log in?

If this is the first time you have logged in, please leave the password field blank and click on the Login button. You will be prompted to create your own password.

Passwords can be a combination of letters and numbers and up to 32 characters long.

I have forgotten my password. What do I do?

Please contact us.

Why can't I access all databases from home, such as Ancestry.com?

Use of the databases is governed by licence agreements between the publishers and the Library. This means that we may not have the rights to make them all accessible to you from home.

I would like to order a copy of an article.

Go to information about ordering copies.

ebooks

How do I find ebooks?

Ebooks from Ebook Central can be searched for in the State Library's catalogue in the same manner as print books. Alternatively, you can access Ebook Central directly through the Library's eresources website, in the bottom right-hand corner. You can read ebooks from the Library's eresources computers and from home. You will be asked to login with your Library card number.

What ebooks are included in Ebook Central?

Around 6,000 ebooks are available through Ebook Central to State Library clients, some of which are also available in print through the Library.

How do I read ebooks online?

You can read ebooks online via the "Read Online" link beside each ebook listed in your search results, or via the blue "Read Online" button on the full record page.

The Online Reader is web based, and is compatible with most web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Opera). No additional software is required to read online.

How do I download Ebook Central ebooks?

Ebooks can be downloaded to your own computer for reading offline. You will find a download button on the "Download" tab in the Online Reader.

To download and read ebooks you must have Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) installed on your computer. Please ensure you have this free software installed before downloading an ebook.

Once an ebook is downloaded it will be accessible for up to three weeks.

If you are working on a State Library computer, you can only read ebooks online via the Online Reader.

What is Adobe Digital Editions and why do I need it?

Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) was designed specifically for reading ebooks. In order to download and read ebooks offline, you must first have ADE installed. You can download this software from the ADE website.

For detailed instructions on how to use Digital Editions please refer to the ADE Help Pages. Please also check the ADE system requirements.

Can I read Ebook Central ebooks on portable devices?

Downloaded ebooks can be transferred to any portable ebook reader that supports Adobe Digital Editions (ADE). There is a list of compatible devices on the Adobe website.

All portable devices with modern browser support can access Ebook Central and read ebooks online via the web.

Please note that Ebook Central ebooks cannot be downloaded to a Kindle.

Can I print or copy from an ebook?

You can print up to 20% and copy up to 5% of each ebook. These limits apply to both online ebooks and downloaded ebooks.

Buttons to print and copy from an ebook are located at the top of the Online Reader. Printing and copying can only be done using these buttons.

The printing and copying limits are managed by the Ebook Central system. Remaining print and copy balances can be viewed for each ebook on the Details tab in the Online Reader.

Why can't I print properly?

Ebook printing problems are usually related to Adobe Reader preferences and/or browser settings.

If you're experiencing problems printing, please ensure:

  • You have Adobe Reader installed.
  • Your Adobe Reader JavaScript Preferences have Acrobat Javascript enabled.
  • Your Adobe Reader Internet Preferences are set to "Open PDF in Browser".
  • Your web browser has JavaScript enabled.

Further help

Ebook Central has a Help section available once you are logged in. You can also consult their detailed Ebook Central guide.