Using eBooks for Background Information
The library catalog can help you find eBooks (or reference sources) for your informative or persuasive speech. Searching the catalog for eBooks allows you to search many eBook databases at once, instead of searching one at a time. You don't have to read an entire eBook for it to be useful! You may only need a chapter or even just a paragraph.
Why eBooks?
- They're available at any time without a library card.
- They contain a lot of information about a topic all in one place.
- Move around in an eBook quickly by clicking on the links within or using CTRL+F to find specific words.
Searching the Catalog for eBooks
- Enter your topic in the catalog's search box. Add a related keyword for more relevant results (example: "african elephant" and poaching).
- Use the filters to select Available Online and Books.
- Click on the title of an eBook in the catalog to open the record. (Be aware the some books might be written for children, so be sure to pick a book that's appropriate for college research.)
- Scroll to the View Online section and click the name of the database under Full Text Availability to access the eBook. (More than one database may be listed.)
- When the record for the eBook opens in the database, click the PDF option to open it.
In addition to searching for eBooks from the catalog, you can also do a broad search of many library resources at once, including articles from our databases.
- First, sign in to your account. When prompted, select Students and Staff.
- From the search box at the top, click the magnifying glass.
- Click the drop-down box that says MCC Library Catalog and choose one of the options.
- Once you have your results, use the limiters as needed.
