A method is provided in which time slicing data, including an indication of available time blocks for loaning an e-book from an e-book lending library, are provided to a user in response to the user requesting to borrow an e-book that is not currently available for being loaned. When the user selects an available time block via an electronic device, the e-book lending library provides to an electronic device that is associated with the user, via the communications network, a lending license for the e-book that is valid only during the selected available time block. The e-book lending library enables access to the first e-book via the electronic device, during the selected time block, using the provided lending license.