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eBooks @ the Dalhousie University Libraries

Overview of Common Platforms

Reading ebooks online (NetID authentication required)

Most ebooks can be read online using a laptop or desktop computer (this option uses an interface provided by the vendor).

Special considerations:

  • If you are a slow reader or stop reading to take a break - the platform may time-out
  • If you cannot view an ebook - we may have only one or two copies and someone else may be using them
  • Accessing popular ebooks is possible when others are done and close their connection - so try again at a later time

Downloading ebooks (may require using additional software)

If this option is available, it allows you to read offline and prevents a time-out.

  • Some vendors require you to set up a free account in order to download (such as Adobe ID and MyEbsco)

  • Some ebooks can be downloaded as an unprotected PDF (requires Adobe Reader)

  • Most ebooks are available as a DRM-protected PDF, ACSM or ePUB file (these options require additional software)

  • Recommended software is Adobe's ADE which is free and can be used on PCs, Macs, and mobile devices (iOS & Android)

For some titles, after installing ADE, you can download the entire book for 7, 14, or 21 days.

If all available copies are currently "checked out" - you may place a hold on the title or view the book online.

Printing - Copying & Pasting

All pages can be printed for downloaded PDFs that are not DRM-protected. This is commonly associated with an ebook chapter.

For all other formats expect limits on the number of pages you can print or copy and paste (these numbers are listed on the detailed screen).

Connect using your NetID (Dal authentication is required)

To find a book:

Click on EBSCO eBooks

To read online (usually these two options):

PDF - supports page level citations
EPUB - this format resizes to fit your screen

To download:

  • Create a MyEbsco account (if this is your first time downloading)
  • Install Adobe Digital Editions (ADE 3.0 recommended) to read the file
  • Some files let you choose a loan period (number of days)
  • Access to the ebook ends automatically, when the loan period ends.

Printing & Downloading

Check to see if there are limitations (shown below are two examples):

Go Mobile (an app is required)

Click here for downloading instructions onto a mobile device.

 

Connect using your NetID (Dal authentication is required)

To find a book:

Click on ProQuest Ebook Cenral

To open the book:

You can begin reading the book...

To download:

Use your NetID to download the whole book  or just a chapter

  • Specify what device you will be using
  • Install Adobe Digital Editions (ADE 3.0 recommended) to read the file
  • Download your book (the loan period is 7 days)

Additional information is needed to download a chapter

Printing & Downloading

Check to see if there are limitations (shown below is an example):

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Go Mobile (an app is required)

Click here for downloading instructions onto a mobile device.

You can read OverDrive ebooks in your web browser.

Borrowing

  • To borrow a book, click on its cover.
  • Then click on "BORROW"
  • If the Dalhousie off-campus login page appears, login using your NetID and password.
  • This will bring you back to the Overdrive main page, where you can "Read now in browser"
  • Books borrowed this way can be read only when you're connected to WiFi.

Go Mobile (an app is required to read offline)

Click here for downloading instructions onto a mobile device.

Subjects: *Multidisciplinary