The phrase encompasses the acquisition of literary works pertaining to Freemasonry in a digital, portable document format without monetary cost. It signifies the availability of texts, often historical or instructional, related to the fraternal organization of Freemasonry in a readily accessible electronic form. An instance of this would be locating and retrieving a digital copy of a historical account of a specific masonic lodge’s formation, obtained through an online repository at no charge.
The availability of such digital resources has several benefits. It facilitates wider access to information about Freemasonry, potentially fostering greater understanding and dispelling misconceptions. From a historical perspective, the practice allows for the preservation and dissemination of older texts that might otherwise be limited in their distribution. Furthermore, it can enable researchers and those with an interest in Freemasonry to conduct studies or pursue personal knowledge without the financial barrier of purchasing physical copies of these texts.