Q. What is an eBook?

An eBook is an online or electronic version of a printed book. They are designed to be accessed via computers, tablets or smart phones or a specific hand held device (eg eBook readers).

See Oxford Dictionaries meaning (link below).

CKN eBooks are available to Queensland Health employees via intranet link (ie QHEPS) or via CKN off site access. You need to be registered with CKN and use an Athens login to view eBooks from home.

Queensland Health libraries have also purchased eBook titles; again these may require a login. To search for eBooks, go to following links below to search:

• Cairns Hospital Library & Knowledge Centre catalogue - for Cairns and Hinterland & Torres and Cape HHS staff
• Mackay Hospital & Health Service Library catalogue
• Queensland Health libraries catalogue

Why do you need a login to access eBooks? Most eBooks are purchased by libraries under a license or contract which restricts access to clients or staff of the purchasing organisation. Breaches in licensing access and conditions of use can lead to legal action or penalties.

Unfortunately many of the ebooks provided by CKN and Queensland Health Libraries are not available to non-QH staff due to licencing restrictions.

All eBooks are subject to copyright in the same way that print books are copyrighted. You must always acknowledge and cite references when using information from eBooks. Always obtain permission from the publisher and other copyright holders if you wish to reuse any published content.

Contact your Queensland Health library for further information.