Are Library eBooks available to multiple users at a time?
eBooks come in a variety of user models and licenses determined by their publisher. UCI Libraries can only provide options made available for purchase to academic libraries. Some may be accessible by the class or for only one reader at a time. Major textbook publishers aimed at single-reader models, like Pearson and Cengage, do not make eBooks available to libraries. Here are the models we work with:
- Unlimited User Model. If there are no access limit notes found on the UC Library Search, then the eBook should be available to an unlimited number of UCI-users at the same time. We try to buy eBooks in this model if we know it is being used in a class.
- 1-User or 3-User Models. If you see the note below in a UC Library Search record, then we are likely limited to those licensing restrictions. 1-user or 3-user models are not ideal for course readings. Note: we may be able to limit the "check-out" period of the title, by disabling the download option. Please contact your subject librarian to ask about this.
- By-the-Numbers. Some models are called Non-Linear Lending or Concurrent Access 365, which gives the purchase a certain amount of "check-outs" per calendar year, or lifetime of purchase. These licenses vary per publisher and distributor.
Can I use an eReader or Tablet to read UC Irvine Library eBooks?
Using a UC Irvine Library eBook on your device depends on a number of factors.
- What format is the eBook available in? Is it .TXT, .PDF or ePub. Also be aware of what you can download; is it a chapter, a selection, or the whole book.
- What format(s) does your device accept?
- What does the aggregator, vendor, or publisher allow on their platform?
- If the book isn't in the correct format for your device, can it be converted using one of the eBook conversion applications that are available?
- Does the publisher allow for downloading?
If the eBook is in the correct format (or can be converted to the correct format) for your device then there is a good chance that you will be able to transfer it to your device. Check your user guide for more information.
Can I use eBooks when I'm not on campus?
Yes. First you need to Connect from Off-Campus by logging in with your UCINetID and password. Then follow the instructions on the How to Find eBooks tab or use the other tabs provided on this guide to search eBook collections within a particular discipline.
