Access Ebooks

The Olin College Library offers access to ebooks via several different platforms. If you're having trouble navigating our collections, please reach out to us at library@olin.edu.

Access Ebooks Through Libby

You can access ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines via the Overdrive or Libby app, or using your web browser if you're on a computer.

Libby Download Instructions

On your computer:

  1. If you have not yet set a PIN/password for your Minuteman Library Network account, please visit the Minuteman pin reset page here and follow the instructions.
  2. Using your library card number and PIN/password, log in to Olin's Minuteman site .

On your phone or tablet:

  1. Make sure you have set up your Minuteman Library Network PIN/password (see above).
  2. Download Libby in the Apple Store (iPhones, iPads) or Google Play Store (Android, Android tablets).
    Apple Store-Download Libby
    Google Store-Download Libby

  3. When prompted to add a new library, search for "Minuteman Library Network" in Libby.
  4. Log in with your library card number and PIN/password - and browse away!
    5. Browse away! Note that you can access additional content in if you sign up for a Boston Public Library ecard . Everyone in the Olin community is eligible. Email us if you have questions.

Downloading Ebooks From OlinScholar

eBooks found on Olin Scholar can be downloaded download, read, and annotated using Thorium Reader. The eBooks will stay on your computer for a limited time and are automatically returned when the loan period ends.
Download Thorium Reader here

Thorium Reader Instructions

Using Thorium Reader

  1. Find a eBook through Olin Scholar and select "Full eBook".
  2. Choose the EPUB format for full access to customization and in-app note-taking.
  3. Download the file and copy the generated password.
  4. Open Thorium Reader and click Import Publication, then select the downloaded file.
  5. Click the book cover and paste the passphrase. If you didn't copy the passphrase earlier, return to the download page on EBSCO and re-download the file.

Thorium Reader Customization and Accessibility

These options are available only for books downloaded as EPUB.

Taking Notes

  1. Highlight text, then click the notebook icon in the upper-right corner.
  2. To export notes, return to the main Thorium Reader page, click the three dots under the book cover, then click Export Notes and save them to your device.

Text Customization

  1. Click the "Aa" icon in the top right.
  2. Theme changes the background and text color.
  3. Layout switches between paginated and scrolling views.
  4. Customize Text Formatting for more options:
    • Text: change font size or font (including fonts installed on your device).
    • Spacing: adjust margins, word spacing, letter spacing, paragraph spacing, and line spacing.
  5. To reuse your settings on other books, go to Preferences and click Save.

Text to Speech

  1. Click the speaker icon in the top bar to start and control text-to-speech playback.
  2. Click the headphones icon to adjust playback speed, language, voice, captions and highlight style.

Access Ebooks Through Library Databases

  • OlinScholar
    Search across most of Olin's online resources. Note that the Libby collection is searchable separately (see instructions above).
  • EBSCO Ebook Collection
    Over 150,000 eBooks across disciplines, including science, history, and literature.
  • JSTOR
    Arts and humanities database on language and literature, music, film studies, folklore, performing arts, religion, and the study of art and architecture.
  • Knovel
    Full-text of engineering reference works, including many textbooks.