With libraries being shuttered indefinitely around the world to help stop the spread of COVID-19, a number of publishers have opted to make their electronic resources available more broadly, including ebooks. Since ebooks tend to be more scattered and difficult to find than a given journal article (which FindIt@JohnsHopkins, with its DOI search, can usually locate even if the article in question is brand new), the librarians here in the Sheridan Libraries have compiled a list of general ebook packages for quick reference, some of which have only just been made available to JHU patrons. Highlights include:
- CambridgeCore
- Encompasses more than 36,000 academic books (along with hundreds of textbooks) published by Cambridge University Press across a variety of disciplines. JHED ID required.
- EBSCO
- Makes available thousands of books (including fiction!) from a variety of publishers. Proxy login is inconsistent, so users will have to click “Online Access” in the catalog record linked here. JHED ID required.
- HathiTrust
- More than 17 million digital items are available from across the globe, including myriad books that are out of copyright. Rare materials are also often to be found here. JHED ID not required to access most content, but needed to download certain books and create collections.
- Open Library
- A project of the Internet Archive, Open Library allows for ebooks to be borrowed like a regular library. Individual (free) sign-up and login required.
- ProQuest
- Similar to EBSCO in its breadth and scope. JHED ID required.
- RedShelf
- RedShelf has agreed to offer students access to up to seven free ebooks (including textbooks) before May 25, 2020. Individual (free) sign-up and login required.
- VitalSource
- Like RedShelf, VitalSource has agreed to offer students access to free ebooks (including textbooks) before May 25, 2020. Individual (free) sign-up and login with Hopkins email required.
For additional subject-specific ebook packages, patrons are encouraged to explore Databases @ Johns Hopkins Libraries.
In spite of the proliferation of new ebook packages, JHU patrons may still not be able to access a given resource online. If this happens, do not hesitate to reach out to your academic liaison or write to ask@jhu.libanswers.com for assistance. Additional online services for teaching, learning, and resources at JHU can be found here.