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eBooks at UTAS Library

Downloading eBooks from the UTAS Library

Downloading an eBook means you can read it offline — without needing to stay connected to the internet.

The UTAS Library provides access to eBooks through major platforms such as ProQuest eBook Library and EBSCO eBooks. Most downloadable eBooks can be found through these two platforms.

  • ProQuest eBook Library and EBSCO eBooks allow you to download eBooks to your personal computer or device for a loan period of 1 to 3 days.
  • After the loan period ends, the eBook will expire automatically. You can simply return to the Library website to download it again if you still need it.

Other platforms may only allow you to read online or offer individual chapters as full-text documents instead of full downloadable eBooks.

Publisher Instructions

To download from EBSCO:
  1. Select an eBook from our Catalogue and follow the link through to the EBSCO record OR Select EBSCO from the UTAS Library database list here to access search options. Enter your search and select an eBook from the resources available. 
  2. Once in the EBSCO record, click the 'Download This eBook (Offline)' button from the left of the screen.
  3. You will be prompted to sign into your My EBSCOhost account for downloading. If this is your first time accessing EBSCOhost, create a new account. Once this account has been set up, you can use the chosen account name and password whenever you access EBSCO eBooks
  4. Choose the loan period for the eBook (1-3 days at a time)
  5. Click the 'Checkout and Download' button to finish. 

       

ebsco checkout screen

 

EBSCO Mobile App


Mobile App product buttonThe EBSCO Mobile app provides library users with an easy way to download and read eBooks from EBSCO's eBooks collections. In addition, the app enables you to download eBooks and read them in the app without needing an Adobe ID or the Adobe Digital Editions app. Scan the QR code to download the app on Google Play or Apple App store.

EBSCO Mobile App QR CodeMobile App product button



 

Help Guides:

 

To download from ProQuest eBook Library:

 

  1. First ensure that Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) has been installed on your computer (See 'Digital Rights Management box for more information). If using a mobile device, the Adobe Digital Editions App is free from the Apple App Store and Google Play. ProQuest Central books cannot be downloaded without the support of ADE. 
  2. Select an eBook from our Catalogue and follow the link through to the ProQuest Central record. Click the download button. 
  3. Choose the loan length for the eBook (between 1-3 days) and the preferred format for downloading.
  4. Click the 'Download' button to finish.

ebl downloading

Downloading Limitations

Using Library Computers

 

  • Adobe Digital Editions is not available from Library computers.
  • Library computers do not enable the downloading and installing of any external programs.
  • Therefore you will be unable to save any eBooks to a Library computer. On a Library computer, you can read eBooks online only.
Kindle Users
  • Adobe Digital Editions does not support Amazon Kindle eReaders.
  • This means that you cannot download any DRM-protected book onto a kindle UNLESS you are able to use a non-ADE DRM intermediary.

For example: ProQuest Central eBooks may be read on a Kindle Fire using the Bluefire App. 

Important

Some of UTAS Library's eBooks are protected by DRM: Digital Rights Management systems

What is Digital Rights Management?

When your library gives you access to ebooks, audiobooks, or streaming content, there's usually something called DRM (Digital Rights Management) involved. DRM is a tool publishers use to control how their digital stuff is used—even in libraries.

Here’s why publishers use it:

  • To Limit Borrowing: Just like physical books, publishers want only a certain number of people to borrow an eBook at a time. DRM makes sure that if a book is “checked out,” no one else can use it until it’s “returned.”
  • To Control How Long You Keep It: DRM lets publishers set loan periods (like 24 hours or 3 days). After that, the book expires and you can’t read or listen to it unless you borrow it again.
  • To Prevent Copying or Sharing: DRM stops users from downloading and sharing the file freely. So, even though you borrowed it legally from the library, you can’t keep a copy or send it to a friend.
  • To Make Money from Libraries Too: Publishers often charge libraries more for digital content and may limit how many times a library can loan it out. DRM helps enforce these rules so the publisher keeps making money from their content.
  • To Protect Their Work: Just like with movies or music, publishers want to make sure their books aren’t copied, pirated, or used in ways they didn’t allow.

So, while DRM helps publishers protect their business, it can be frustrating for library users—like when you have to wait for an eBook or can’t download it to the app you prefer.

How do you know if an eBook has DRM?

It’s not always obvious, but here are some signs:

  • The book stops working after a certain number of days.
  • You need a special app such as Adobe Digital Editions to read it.
  • You can't copy and paste text, print pages, or transfer the file easily.
  • The library says the book is "in use" even though it's digital.
How can I download DRM protected library eBooks? 

It can differ depending on the publisher. However, most eBooks require you to download Adobe® Digital Editions (ADE) software.

  • ADE allows you to download and read material protected by DRM, as well as to purchase digital content which can be read online and offline
  • ADE supports industry-standard e-book formats, such as EPUB, Mobi, and HTML
  • Here are the FAQs
  • Here is a list of ADE-supported devices (Note: this list isn't complete e.g. it doesn't list iPad)

To download a DRM-protected book to your e-device, follow these steps:

  1. Download ADE software [free] onto your personal computer
  2. Download the e-book to your personal computer
  3. During install, *do* choose to "authorize" your computer with a free Adobe ID - this lets you download DRM-protected books to your e-device
  4. Sync the computer with your e-device
  5. Transfer the e-book from your computer to your e-device