NetLibrary is an online library platform that provides access to thousands of digital books and academic resources. The word NetLibrary is spelled as /ˈnɛtˌlaɪbrəri/, consisting of two syllables, Net and Library. The first syllable Net is pronounced as /nɛt/, which rhymes with the word pet, and refers to the internet-based nature of the library. The second syllable Library is pronounced as /ˈlaɪbrəri/, which rhymes with the word berry and refers to the collection of books and resources available on the platform.
NetLibrary was a comprehensive online digital library and e-book platform that offered access to a vast range of electronic books and other reference resources. Developed and launched in 1998 by NetLibrary Inc., the platform catered to both individual consumers and institutions such as libraries, universities, and corporations. It provided an extensive collection of e-books, audiobooks, and other digital content in various subject areas, including literature, science, history, business, and more.
The platform's primary focus was to provide an efficient and user-friendly interface for accessing and reading digital books. NetLibrary allowed users to search for specific titles or browse through different genres, making it easy to find and access relevant materials. It offered features such as bookmarking, highlighting, and note-taking, enabling users to personalize their reading experience and keep track of important information.
NetLibrary also provided robust copyright protection measures to ensure that copyright laws were upheld and respected. This included features like digital rights management (DRM) technology, which prevented unauthorized copying or distribution of the e-books.
Unfortunately, NetLibrary ceased operations in 2010, and its services were transitioned to the EBSCOhost platform. The transition ensured that the digital content previously available on NetLibrary remained accessible to users under the new platform. Despite its discontinuation, NetLibrary played a significant role in the early development of online digital libraries and e-book platforms, contributing to the evolution of digital reading and information access.
The word "NetLibrary" is a combination of the words "net" and "library".
- "Net" is a short form of "internet" or "network". It refers to the global computer network that connects millions of computers worldwide.
- "Library" refers to a collection of books, resources, and information available for use by the public. It traditionally refers to a physical space where books are stored but, in the context of "NetLibrary", it refers to a digital collection of books and resources accessible over the internet.
So, the term "NetLibrary" combines the concept of a library with the internet to represent a digital library accessible online. The etymology of the word lies in the combination of these two concepts.