Can I assign a library e-books as a textbook?
Some e-books are available for this purpose, especially those from a Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA) cooperative purchase. But many of our e-books allow for only 1 or a few concurrent users. Please contact your Swem Library Library Liaison to discuss your specific need.
Can I place library e-books on reserve?
Yes, you can include links to the Swem Library catalog record for your students in your Blackboard or other course sites. This complies with educational "fair use" copyright guidelines because access to Blackboard course pages is restricted to those students enrolled in the class.
Please see details below about how to link to Blackboard.
Can I place other (non-library) e-books on reserve?
There are many sources of free e-books for which you could provide links on Blackboard. E-books that you have personally purchased might have copyright or other restrictions.
How do I link a library e-book to my course's Blackboard page?
1. In the new catalog interface, find the e-book and click its title to open the full catalog record. Click the email link and send yourself the link to this particular title. Open your email, retrieve that link, and add it to your Blackboard pages. The link will open to the catalog record, and your students will need to click the AVAILABLE TO W&M USERS link to open the e-book.
2. In the classic catalog interface, find the e-book and click its title to open the full catalog record. Then click the Permalink choice on the bar above the record. A pop-up window will give you the stable URL for this title. Copy and add it to your Blackboard pages. The link will open to the catalog record, and your students will need to click the Catalog Record tab and then the Electronic Access link to open the e-book.
How can I order e-books for the library?
Please contact your Swem Library Library Liaison.
How can I request that an e-book have multi-user access?
If your students will need multi-user access, please contact your Swem Library Library Liaison to request that access at least 3 to 4 weeks before assigning the e-book.