eBooks
3M Cloud Library eBooks are now available to Beaufort County Library cardholders. They are compatible with iPhones, iPads, iTouch, Android devices, Sony Readers, Nooks, and other eReaders. At the time of this writing, the Kindle is not compatible.
GET STARTED
You must first install the "application or "app" on your computer or directly on your device. Login using your library card number (not your alternate username) and library account password. This password is the same that you use to log into SCLENDS ("My Account"). If you do not know your password, please contact any branch library.
Once the application is installed, you can checkout eBooks. To read the same eBook on a variety of devices, install the 3M app on any device that you intend to read the book.
Apple/Android Users: Download the 3M Cloud Library app from the App Store or Google Play.
eReader users (Nook, Sony Reader, others): Download the 3M Cloud Library application to your computer. Then transfer your checked out titles to your eReader. View quick tutorial video.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long can I check out an eBook? 14 days. The book will automatically check back in at the end of the 14 day period. At this time, 3M does not offer renewals; however, if no other customer is on hold for the book, you can check it out again. If you utilize the bookmark feature, the 3M Cloud Library will syncronize your last bookmark saved during a previous checkout of the title.
How many eBooks can I check out at one time? You can checkout 5 eBooks at one time.
How many holds can I have at one time? You can have 5 eBooks on hold at one time. Customers now have 3 days to check out eBook holds, from the date of notification. (Once the item has been checked out, customers have 14 days to read the eBook.) For instance, if a customer has an eBook on hold, they will receive a notification that the eBook is ready for checkout. They have 3 days from that notification to checkout the eBook. Once the eBook is "checked out," it will expire in 14 days. If the eBook is not checked out with the 3 days, the eBook will go to the next person on the hold list.
Why don't I see my favorite author's eBooks? Not all books that are available in print are available as eBooks. Sometimes publishers don't sell their eBooks to libraries. The eBook market is constantly evolving. We will do our best to meet the requests of our customers.
How many copies of a particular eBook are available? The term “eBook” may be deceiving. It might be assumed that since it is a digital copy of a book, there will be an infinite number of copies available, therefore no holds-lists. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Only one customer can ‘checkout’ a copy of an eBook at a time. Once that eBook is checked in, it will go to the next customer. If the library owns 3 digital copies of a particular title, there will be 3 digital copies circulating.
Can I read these books on my Kindle? At the time of this writing, the Kindle is not compatible.
Can I browse the eBook collection before installing the application? Yes. Visit our 3M Cloud Library. In order to checkout or place an eBook on hold, you must login with your library card number and password. (Installing the app is necessary to read an eBook.)
Will you offer training?
Need help? Visit 3M's "Frequently Asked Questions" page here. Please contact a branch library Reference Desk during operating hours.
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