You don't have to read the books themselves, if you just want to take a quick survey. For example... If this universe has magic that isn't a secret, one of the titles should make mention of it, I think.

[As Manaka speaks, she touches the tip of one finger to the spines of the books in front of her, trailing it over them as she skims their titles for any words that stand out. He's right, these do seem technical... And mostly about space stations.]