Etexts are electronic (or digital) versions of print books. They can be transmitted and viewed online via any PC connected to the Internet. It is also possible to download an etext to any PC, laptop or handheld device (such as a Palm).
The advantages of using etexts are
An initial evaluation of the use of OU etexts indicated that students appreciated the portability offered by etexts: it is possible to print out short sections, or access them online during lunch breaks. It is also possible to make personal notes on the pages.
Students who find using print books difficult, either due to mobility difficulties in handling them or because they would like to re-size text to make reading easier, can find etexts solve their problems. In many cases the text can be read out using etext reader software, or can be used as an intermediate file format allowing printing to Braille printers.
Since 2002 the OU has been using etexts to make courses more accessible and flexible. The OU now has over 200 courses with associated etexts making it one of the world's major etext publishers. The etexts are exactly the same as the print course books but complement them by offering options such as linking between contents and indexes, search facilities and the ability to copy and paste contents.
Students can access their course etexts via their course website. etexts will be made available in small file sizes to ensure download times are not excessive.
The OU Computing Guide has full instructions on getting and using OU etexts in their etext section.
If you would like to look at the etext version of a particular OU course book, you will have to register to study that course.
The OU Library is collecting together details of etexts that are available free as well as buying etexts on behalf of OU students and staff. These include textbooks, dictionaries and encyclopaedias from many of the main publishers of both print and etexts worldwide. There is a full list of the etext collections students have access to and instructions on accessing them on the Library's electronic books page.
The OU Library does not give you access to OU course etexts.
Remember that it is essential to reference all quotes in your essays, including quotes from etexts. For further information, visit the OU library's helpsheet on referencing and the Referencing page on this website.
