Answers & FAQ's: Database FAQs

A Note about EBSCO eBooks

Our EBSCO eBooks may fall under one of several license and publisher permission types. These licenses and permissions will impact how the book is downloaded and what formats are available for download. In this FAQ we will look at accessing eBooks that have a limited-user license. 

Limited User Access eBooks (1Copy - 1User or 1Copy - 3Users)

eBooks that have single-user or limited user licenses can be thought of in the same way as a print book. These eBooks can only be read by as many people at the same time as we have copies and only become available again once a person is finished with it. Limited user access books are also some of the most limited in what formats are available for download and may limit your ability to download the entire book as a PDF.

The Detailed Record Screen:

To identify what license type an ebook has you will need to check the Publisher Permissions and Concurrent User Level. This information is located near the bottom of the Detailed Record page and will tell you how many users can access the title as well as whether downloading, printing, emailing, etc. are permitted. Some titles have restrictions that may limit a user's ability to print, save, or even copy/paste text from the book. 

eBooks will also usually list the formats available for download in the top left of the title's Detailed Record page, however, sometimes you may need to look under the Table of Contents in order to find the option to download a title. 

Below is an image that illustrates how to find the user access license information and where a user would see what formats are available for download. 

The Table of Contents Screen:

Once you open a title's Table of Contents link, you will be able to view the eBook online and/or download single chapters to your computer [please see image below].

Things to notice in the image:

• Notice on the top left corner how the title availability has changed to 0 once you have opened the book.
• Click on the download arrow next to the chapter to download a PDF copy of that chapter/section. 
• Use the navigation arrows at the bottom of the book preview to browse the book online

Downloading the entire eBook:

In order to download the full eBook you will need to sign-in using your MyEBSCO account and have access to the Adobe Digital Editions software or the equivalent (EBSCO provides a link to this software). Limited User Access eBooks may be checked out for 3 days at a time. Below are a series of images that illustrate how to download an entire EBSCO eBook and the required MyEBSCO Account login. 

1. Click on the Full Download link in the upper left corner of the eBook's Detailed Record page. 

2. If you are not signed into MyEBSCO you will be prompted to sign-in or to create a MyEBSCO account. If you need to create a MyEBSCO account please see this FAQ for creating a MyEBSCO account. 

3. The MyEBSCO Login page offers you the ability to create a MyEBSCO account (A), sign-in using a Google account (B), or to sign-in using your existing MyEBSCO username and password (C). 

Please Note: The MyEBSCO account is not your EGCC account. 

4. Once you have signed into MyEBSCO you are given the option to download the book as a PDF or EPUB for 3 Days. However, in order to access these protected files you will need to have Adobe Digital Editions or an equivalent program installed on your device or have the ability to install the software. EBSCO does provide a link to both the Adobe software and their eBook download support page for additional technical assistance. Please note, your place of work or school may not permit you to install new software.

5. If the book you are trying to download is in use, you may get a screen that notifies you that the book is in use and to try again later. Some eBooks may also offer to let you place a hold on the eBook and to be notified when it is available again.