Can all students in a class read the assigned eBook at the same time?
Yes and no. Publishers set restrictions on how eBooks may be accessed and used. Librarians agree to these terms when we purchase the book for Duke's collection and the most common restriction is on concurrent use of the eBook. Restrictions to eBook access includes a limit to a single-user, three-at-a-time, up to 300 uses (total) annually and other use restrictions, including "unlimited", which is the most expensive option.
Can a librarian change the access to a book if requested?
It depends on the publisher's access restrictions. Some books are sold only as single-user. If they have the funds, and the book is available as unlimited or multiple-user, librarians may use their collections budget to pay to change the access to a title.
If there is an access restriction on an eBook assigned for class, can students access the eBook through another library?
No. eBooks are not available via Interlibrary Loan, even within the TRLN, though there are often print copies of eBooks available.
How can I tell if an eBook assigned for class use is broadly accessible?
In general, EBSCO and ProQuest are the only providers with limitations or restrictions on access to their ebooks. Fortunately, both ProQuest and EBSCO clearly display our access type on the ebook content page.
If you don’t see the access model or limitations on access displayed, you can assume that our access is unlimited or at least a multi/non-linear user model. For types of Access Models, please see the EBSCO eBooks and ProQuest eBook Central tabs.
If the use restriction is not what you need it to be, please contact or search for the Subject Librarian in your discipline. Ideally you would do this before the class starts so that there is plenty of time to accommodate or change an access restriction.
Often there is a print version of the ebook on reserve in the library.
To check out and download, you'll need to first complete these two steps:
1. Make an account on the EBSCO eBook platform, in the upper right of the screen.
2. Download Adobe Digital Editions and create an account
Can I “close” an EBSCO eBook that I’ve been viewing online, so it becomes available to another user?
Yes. EBSCO provides directions for how to close the eBook.
How do I download and read eBooks on the EBSCO Mobile App?
Directions for Downloading and Reading eBooks
Other Helpful links:
EBSCO eBook Accessibility User Guide and FAQs
To checkout and download, you'll need to first complete these two steps:
1. Make an account on the ProQuest Ebook Central, in the upper right of the screen.
2. Next, download Adobe Digital Editions and create an account.
How do I download a book for offline reading on a computer?
ProQuest Ebook Central requires a personal ProQuest account and the use of Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) to manage check outs, copying, printing, and downloading eBooks on the platform.
What are the Per User Per Day copy, print, and download limits?
For each book, there is a limit on the number of pages that can be copied, printed, or downloaded per user. For most books, these limits reset after 24 hours. For Course Reserve titles, the limits do not reset.
See more information on copy, print, and download limitations
Can I return an ebook early?
Downloaded and loaned ebooks expire automatically at the end of a loan and cannot be returned early. Deleting the ebook file from Adobe Digital Editions deletes the ebook file from your device, but does not end the loan
What are ProQuest’s Access Models?
Titles in the Ebook Central catalog are available in one or more “Access Models.” The access model determines how the book is available to patrons.
See a list of access models and loan lengths
Where can I find the Ebook Central Accessibility Statement?
Having trouble access e-resources off-campus?
If you are experiencing trouble accessing e-resources while off-campus, please see access options.
Having trouble downloading Adobe Digital Editions?
How to install Adobe Digital Editions
If you are having trouble downloading or opening eBooks, de-authorize Adobe Digital Editions, and then reauthorize it again. For information on authorizing and de-authorizing Adobe Digital Editions, see Authorizing and de-authorizing Adobe Digital Editions.
The current version of Adobe Digital Editions may not work on older devices. Please contact Ask a Librarian for support.
