Frequently Asked Questions

We've tried to make these comprehensive and they are updated pretty often. If you are having a current or ongoing problem, please see our Troubleshooting Page and contact us if you can not resolve it.

Open Library Information

• What is Open Library?
• How is Open Library different from Project Gutenberg?
• Have you heard of WorldCat? How is Open Library different?
• How do I sign up for Open Library?
• How can I contribute information to Open Library?
• Where can I see what other people are up to on Open Library?

Open Library Services

• May I donate books to Open Library to be digitized and added to the website?
• I wrote a book, and I have it in digital form. Can I make it readable on Open Library?
• I have an ebook that I'd like to donate to Open Library. How can I do that?
• I found a very old book in my basement. Do you want it?
• I have an old book that I think might be worth something. Can you tell me how much?
• Can you tell me more about a book listed in the Open Library catalog?
• Can you put me in touch with an author?
• Can I buy books from Open Library?
• Can you send me a copy of a book?

Reading Books on Open Library

• Which books can I read? And how do I find them?
• If this is a library, why can I only read some of the books?
• How do I read or download books on Open Library?
• How do I learn more about how BookReader works?
• Can I read Classic books on my Kindle?
• How do I find books written in my language?
• I have found a book but there isn't a readable version. Is something wrong?

Borrowing Books on Open Library

• How does borrowing a book work through Open Library?
• How do I get set up to borrow books through Open Library?
• What books can I borrow? How can I find them?
• Which reading devices can be used to read the ebooks borrowed through Open Library?
• How many books can I check out at once?
• Can I return a library book early?
• How can I see which books I've checked out?
• Can I put a library book on hold?

Hardware and Software

• What is the difference between the BookReader, Adobe and other ebook reader options?
• Where do I get Adobe Digital Editions?
• How do I authorize Adobe Digital Editions? Who is my ebook vendor?
• Can I borrow books on my my Nook?
• Can I borrow books on my Kindle?
• Can I borrow books on my iPad, Android tablet or other device?

Editing Open Library

• Can I edit any page on Open Library?
• How do I edit a book record?
• What is the difference between a "work" and an "edition"?
• How do I add an author?
• How do I add a picture to Open Library?
• Can I see a list of all the stuff I've edited anywhere?
• I find duplicate authors. Can they be merged?
• I find duplicate edition or work records. Can they be merged?
• Could you add a book record to Open Library for me?
• What does "History" mean in the context of Open Library?
• How do I create a List?

Print Disabled Books on Open Library

• What do you mean by "print disabled" books?
• What is DAISY?
• How do I read a DAISY book?
• What are protected DAISYs?
• Why are some DAISYs protected?
• How can I get a key for my device?
• Why can't I get a key?
• Where else can I get DAISY books?
• What kind of DAISY does the Internet Archive produce?
• Will Internet Archive DAISY books work on the new NLS Digital Talking Book Player?
• Is the Open Library website accessible to the blind and visually impaired?

Using Open Library Data

• Who owns the Open Library catalog?
• Does Open Library have an API?
• Can I download Open Library?
• Can I download a small piece of Open Library? Say, just three records?
• Can I export a bibliography?
• I have a bunch of book records to share with Open Library. How do I do that?
• I'm a publisher. I have a CSV file of all our publications. Can I share that on Open Library?
• I work on a book-related website and would like to share information with Open Library. Who should I talk to?