The number of users allowed to read a book simultaneously is set out in an eBook's license. Some licenses are single-use only, while others allow multiple or unlimited users. While the library tries to purchase an unlimited user license for all new eBooks, there are times when this is not possible due to cost or lack of licensing options. Most eBooks that we get directly from a publisher platform (i.e. JSTOR, Cambridge Core, Science Direct) allow unlimited users, while titles from aggregators (i.e. EBSCOhost and ProQuest Ebook Central) are often limited to one or three users.
Tips for books with limited user licenses:
For eBooks from ProQuest Ebook Central, EBSCOhost and Scholars Portal Books, you can usually see how many simultaneous licenses we have for an eBook on the landing page (see examples below).
There are a number of reasons why a particular title may only be available in print format. Some being:
The number of pages you're allowed to download varies by publisher. When you attempt to download a chapter or portion of a book, a prompt will indicate how much you may download (see example below). For more info on usage terms, consult York's Fair Dealing Guidelines or the Acceptable Use of E-resources page.
SPARC (the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition), describes Open Access as, "free, immediate, online access to the results of scholarly research, and the right to use and re-use those results as you need... It has direct and widespread implications for academia, medicine, science, industry, and for society as a whole."
Some eBook content, such as many titles in JSTOR, is available Open Access. This means that even without your York credentials you would still be able to access and use these materials. This is part of a larger overall trend in libraries and academia towards equitable and accessible access to information.
Digital Rights Management, or DRM, determines how digital content can be accessed and how it can be used. With regards to eBooks, it is used by publishers to prevent unauthorized reproduction of their electronic books.
For the most part, yes the library's collection of eBooks is accessible across many different kinds of devices! In general, if your device is capable of reading a PDF, or EPUB format for mobile devices when available, it is capable of accessing an eBook. Keep in mind, however, that some eBook providers only allow you to download a portion or chapter of a book as per publisher guidelines. eBooks can still be read in their entirety on your browser.
Some eBooks can be "checked out" in full using Adobe Digital Editions (ADE). Devices such as Kobos, Nooks, and Sony Readers will work with ADE. Refer to ADE supported devices or ADE support to learn more.
If you are having trouble accessing electronic resources, you can consult the access/login help page, or use the new "report an issue" feature on the Omni item record using the steps below:
Step 1. Click on the "report an issue" icon:
Step 2. Select the correct option from the dialogue box:
Borrowed/"checked out" eBooks cannot be renewed but they can be downloaded again. If you read the book on your browser there is no need to renew.
For borrowable eBooks, at the end of the loan period the eBook will remain on your computer or device but the file will expire and become unreadable. To avoid confusion, simply delete the eBook file from your device at the end of your loan period. If you still require the eBook, and if it's still available, you can download it again.
For eBooks that have a limited number of simultaneous readers, you may be given the option to return the eBook before the expiry date so others can access it.
This means you are trying to return an eBook that has already expired. The eBook file is no longer readable and you should delete the file from your device. If available, you can download the eBook again.