Kansas EZ Library Frequently Asked Questions

Updated 1/29/13

What is Kansas EZ Library?
Kansas EZ Library is the name for Kansas' statewide econtent library, which includes downloadable audiobooks and ebooks.  If you wanted databases instead, please see the Explore Our Resources page. 

Who can access these downloadable books?
Any Kansas resident can check out from this collection. Individuals will need a Kansas Library Card (which can be obtained from any library in the state) unless their local library provides an alternative.

eBooks and audiobooks--what is the difference?

eBook stands for electronic book.  So, you could argue that all books on EZ Library are "ebooks," but there is a big difference between a digital audiobook (a book you listen to, just like the books on tape or CD) and a regular ebook (that you read on a screen).  Most people refer to the digital audiobooks as just "audiobooks" and the regular ebooks as "ebooks."  Keep this in mind--if you email us asking for help with "ebooks" we will assume you mean the standard ebooks and not the audiobooks portion of the library!   

Will I get overdue fines on these books?

No--at the end of the checkout period the book returns automatically and will no longer be on your account. Early return is available on both OneClickdigital and 3M Cloud Library.  The instructions pages for each will show you how to do this. 

If you transferred the book to a portable device from your computer, the file on that device will have expired after the "due date" and you will no longer be able to access it.

What is OneClickdigital?
OneClickdigital is the name of our digital audiobooks vendor.  The parent company of OneClickdigital is Recorded Books.  Recorded Books has been a provider of audiobooks to libraries for many years.  OneClickdigital is their project to create an online library audiobook option.  To learn to use OneClickdigital and read the frequently asked questions about audiobooks, see the OneClickdigital Overview page. 

What is 3M Cloud Library?
3M Cloud Library is the name of our ebooks vendor.  3M has been a provider of library items in the past (such as security systems, self-checkout machines) but this is their first foray into the digital library scene.  To learn to use 3M Cloud Library and read the frequently asked questions about just it, see the 3M Cloud Library Overview page.

What is Freading?
Freading is the ebooks venture by the Library Ideas company.  You may already be familiar to Freegal Music, one of their other projects (several libraries in Kansas have a subscription).  Freading works differently than other ebooks platforms.  Consider it like an ebooks rental system that we have subscribed to for all of Kansas.  To learn to use Freading and read the frequently asked questions about it, see the Freading Overview page. 

Why do you have more than one ebooks system?
We are currently trying out more than one system as we attempt to find the best service and selection of books for Kansas patrons. 

Can I request that you add a certain book on any of these services?
Yes--to OneClickdigital (audiobooks) or 3M Cloud Library (ebooks).  Please use the Digital Book Request Form.   Please realize that some books do not have digital versions, and not all publishers sell digital copies to libraries. 

I've noticed that some bestselling authors aren't available.  What is going on?
Most bestselling authors are published by the "Big Six" publishing houses.  Not all of these publishers allow libraries to purchase digital books from them.  Some will allow libraries to purchase, but with restrictions (book checkouts limited, then we must repurchase the book) or extreme price differences (paying 3 times or more as retail for the book).  If you would like to know more about this, please follow our Big 6 eBooks page on Facebook. 

Is this similar to the Talking Books service?
Talking Books is a service available for those who are unable to read or use standard printed materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical impairment. For eligibility information click here.

A while back you used a different company for audiobooks and ebooks.  When did this change and what happened?
December 5, 2011 was our final day with the previous vendor.  At that time we started our account with OneClickdigital for audiobooks, and our 3M Cloud Library account began in January 2012.  The platform fee for the old company was scheduled to increase by 700% over the next 3 years, and this was no longer sustainable.  The State Library sought permission to transfer many of the books we owned on the previous vendor's library to our new libraries.  Many vendors allowed this tranfer, but not all.  If you are interested in learning more, please see State Librarian Jo Budler's Open Letter from September 2011.

Who do I contact if I have further questions or need help setting up for audiobooks or ebooks?
The State Library Online Services desk, audiobooks@library.ks.gov or 800-432-3919.