Abstract: A content distribution system provides instant partial and/or time-limited access to a web-accessible digital version of a purchased or rented paper book in connection with the sale of that book to the user. Access to a digital version of a purchased or rented paper book may be partial, thereby limited to a predetermined amount of content of the book. The portion(s) of the book to which access is granted is user-selectable, and can be located anywhere in the book. Access to a digital version of a purchased or rented paper book may be time-limited, thereby limited to a number of days or tied to shipping information such that the temporary access expires when the paper copy of the book is delivered to the purchaser.