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Off-Campus Access: Access Options for Off-Campus Religion Students

eBook FAQ

Can more than one person use an eBook at the same time?

Many, though not all, of our eBooks are licensed for unlimited use. If an eBook is licensed for unlimited use, this means that all UMO users can access the book at the same time without limitations. 

Do I have to check out and return an eBook? 

You can "check out" an ebook by creating a (free) account in the database that holds the ebook and then choosing to download the book. If you choose to download an eBook, you can return the eBook digitally if you finish it early, but you do not have to do this. When your checkout period is over, your access to the book will end. You can always check the book out again, if needed. 

Most students find it easier and faster to simply read the book online. 

Is an eBook an online source? 

It's an online resource, but not in the way Wikipedia or a website are online sources. An eBook is still a book, it is just in a digital format. The format and content is the same as the print version. There may be some slight formatting variations depending on your device. 

Can I print or download an eBook as a PDF? 

No. Some eBooks will allow you to print or download a certain number of pages, usually about one chapter of content. Most eBooks do not allow for printing of the entire book due to copyright protections placed by the vendor. 

Reference Materials (encyclopedias, dictionaries, commentaries, etc.)

Useful for:

  • Getting started with your research
  • Learning more about a topic
  • Narrowing a broad topic into a smaller, more manageable topic
  • Finding definitions and keywords
  • Specific assignments that require bible commentaries, dictionaries, tracing the origin of a word, etc. 

Some general reference databases are included below. Additionally, general reference eBooks specific to biblical history and interpretation, bible commentaries, and bible dictionaries are included further down on this page. 

Bible Dictionaries

Below is a selection of online bible dictionaries from our digital collections. You may also search the library catalog for alternative options with approval from your professor. 

eBooks

Our eBook collections are accessible 24/7 from anywhere with an internet connection. They contain the same material in the same format as a print book. 

Some eBook formats will adjust the page numbering to match the size of the eBook display. Since eBooks allow you to search for specific quotes and words within a text, this should not keep you from being able to cite your source. When an eBook does not have page numbers, see the following link from Purdue OWL to cite the information properly. 

Many of our eBooks also have the added benefit of searching within the full text of books for specific words, links in the Table of Contents, and the ability to highlight and make notes in the eBook. 

Our eBooks usually offer two access options:

  • Read online: Does not require you to create an account in the database, will not save highlights and notes, eBook is available immediately to read on the screen you are using
  • Download: Requires you to create an account in the database or login to an existing account (both options are free), allows you to keep the eBook and any highlights or notes on your device for the length of the checkout period, compatible with different eReaders (Our eBooks do not often support a Kindle format. They can usually be read as a PDF on most eReaders.) 

Bibles in eBook Format

Various electronic verisons of the bible are available online. Please check with your professor to ensure that the version you are using is suitable if you choose to use an online version. A selection of biblical research material in eBook format is provided below from Moye Library

Looking at Scripture in Context: Supporting Texts

Find an eBook in our library catalog that you would like to see added here? Let us know! If we have eBook access and instructor approval, we will add a link. 

Literary Interpretation and Symbolism

Articles

Almost all of our articles are available in full-text with an internet connection and your UMO login. You can immediately access the full-text article by clicking the gold "View Full Text" button under the article in the library catalog or clicking "View PDF" in other databases. Suggested religion databases that can be used in addition to the online library catalog are listed below. 

Tips for searching: 

Do not put in every word that you want to find into your search. 

Choose 2-3 keywords that describe the subject that you want to find information about. 

When looking for information on a specific biblical figure or book of the bible, search by the name of the figure or the book of the bible. 

If you are looking for a specific subject or attribute (example: compassion) also try searching for similar or related words if your initial search does not get any results. For example:

King David AND compassion  could also be 

  • King David AND kindness 
  • biblical kings and compassion

Try different options and let us know if you need help with anything! We are available to help virtually in multiple ways, including phone, email, chat, and personalized research instruction via Zoom. 

Religion Databases