Most of the ebooks provided by the library can simply be read online using a web browser and/or downloaded, by section, chapter or whole book, in PDF format. The amount of content you can print or copy varies depending on the publisher restrictions placed on the ebook. You can check the allowances for an individual ebook in the ebook itself. For example, clicking 'print' in a ProQuest Ebook Central title will show you how many pages you have printed and display the total number of pages you are permitted to print.
Remember, copyright restrictions apply to ebooks as well. The general rule is that you can copy up to 10% or one chapter (whichever is greater). You can find out more about copyright at the University's Introduction to copyright for students or the Copyright and teaching webpages.
When viewing an ebook on any PC, laptop or mobile device (e.g. an e-reader or smartphone), it’s essential that the device supports both the software and format requirements of the ebook. The compatibility depends on the device itself and Digital Rights Management (DRM) restrictions, which publishers use to control ebook content.
Currently, downloaded titles from ProQuest Ebook Central can be transferred to any portable device that supports Adobe Digital Editions (ADE). You can find a list of these compatible devices on the ADE website. Additionally, portable devices with browser support (such as the iPhone/iPad) can access ProQuest Ebook Central titles and read them online via the web.
Alumni and general library members do not have access to ebooks in our collection, even from public access PCs. There is more information about access to online resources for alumni members at the Alumni library services page.
Generally, ebooks from the library do not require any specific software other than Adobe Digital Editions, which is necessary for downloading ProQuest Ebook Central titles and EBSCO eBooks. Refer to the 'Downloading ebooks' tab on the Using ebooks page for tips on downloading Adobe Digital Editions.
Most ebooks provided by the library do not need to be 'borrowed'; you can simply read them online. Some ebooks provided on platforms such as ProQuest Ebook Central have fixed loan periods if you choose to download the entire book, and after this period expires the ebook will automatically be deleted from your device. To access an ebook again, just return to the library catalogue record for the ebook, and repeat the download process.
Yes. There is no known limit to the number of ebooks that you can download or access from the library catalogue or ebook databases (at one time).
Digital rights management (DRM) is used by ebook publishers to control the use of their content. DRM determines how many users can access content and what can be done with it. For example, DRM determines whether an ebook can be downloaded and, if downloading is possible, the expiration period. Content that can be downloaded and has an expiration date will be automatically wiped from a device once the expiration date has been reached.
The library does not have access to all titles on any given platform. Sometimes, a subscription to a title will lapse if it hasn't been accessed in some time (but the library catalogue record remains). Contact the library to arrange access.
Try accessing the ebook via the library catalogue to avoid hitting sign-in restrictions. For further tips, refer to the Troubleshooting section in this guide. Note that not all books on a publisher's platform are part of the University's subscription package. You can often restrict your search within the platform to only material that is available to you. TIP: we recommend adding the Lean Library extension to your browser. It saves your University login details and helps you seamlessly access ebooks and other online resources in the library that you have found through Google searches or other sources.
First, try searching in the library catalogue. This should direct you straight to the correct title within the publisher's platform. Refer to our Finding ebooks page for step-by-step guidance.
If searching within an ebook platform:
TIP: Use the Advanced Search feature or tools available on the ebook platform. You should find more information on a help page.
Some publishers offer this service. Check the help page on the ebook you’re interested in. You may require a Kindle account to do this with some publisher's books.