Q. How can I find e-books?

In HOLLIS, login with your Harvard Key by clicking on the "Sign In" link in the upper right hand corner of the screen.

From the drop-down menu, start typing and select the Library Catalog option to limit your research to books and journals. Type your keywords or title into the search box and run your search. Limit your results to Show Only- Online in the Refine my Results column on the right. Once you locate a specific title in the results, select the "Online Access" link below the title to access the book.

Harvard Library e-books are available through different platforms so viewing and download options will vary. Contact an HKS Librarian if you have difficulty viewing or downloading the e-book that you have selected.

If you cannot find your book through HOLLIS, you can also try searching for some chapters and books through Google Books or the Internet Archive Books Lending program. *You may not be able to download chapters in these platforms.

If you are only interested in book chapters, request a scan from print books available at Harvard Library through our Scan & Deliver service. For books not owned by Harvard Library, request a scan through the Interlibrary Loan service. 

Lastly, do not forget that many public libraries in the United States may offer e-book access through public library e-book databases like Overdrive. If you live in Massachusetts, you can can register for a temporary e-card online to access Overdrive and download books to your Kindle/tablet through the Boston Public Library e-card program.  View this FAQ for more information.