Ebook frequently asked questions 

All ebooks are in NUsearch and are linked to your reading list, if available.

It shouldn’t for most, but if you have problems, try another internet browser if you are able.

Yes, you should be able to.

Yes, for most. Some ebooks have restrictions on the number of simultaneous users. If so, you will be prompted to try again later.

Library ebooks are in most cases like printed library books – available for you to use for a period but not yours to own.

No. It is not possible to have an 'overdue' ebook if you have downloaded it, since the Digital Rights Management software will automatically control the loan length.

Unless you have downloaded an ebook to your own device, you will always have to identify yourself as a Nottingham user when accessing electronic resources from off-campus.

If you are not automatically prompted for your University login, look for the Institutional/Shibboleth login option to reach the correct sign-in page for the University of Nottingham.

Some electronic resources are available for use in library buildings only via the Walk-in User service

Ebooks are available on library PCs but not direct from the NUsearch library catalogue terminals which are for catalogue searches only. 

Some ebooks require further authorisation before the library is charged for them and the text is made available to you. Click on the Request Loan button if prompted and your request will be sent to the relevant librarian.

For titles in one of our ebook collections, there is no charge to the library whilst users browse for 5 minutes to determine how useful the book is.

Please do take advantage of this free browse before deciding to proceed with the loan, as it will help us use our budgets most effectively, and then just click to continue if you wish to read more.

Yes, you can. However, there are copyright limits which are usually shown on the ebook page. Refer to the ebook quick reference guide for further information.

For most library ebooks you will need Digital Rights Management software such as Adobe Digital Editions (ADE).

Most of the interfaces will offer you a link to install ADE if you do not already have this. You can also find it on the Adobe website.

No, you should be able to read the ebook offline once downloaded. When the download period has expired (which is controlled automatically), you will have to go online to download again if you want to continue using it.

Library ebooks are subject to copyright restrictions, so you may not be able to print out all that you would like.

The ebook Quick Reference guide gives information about some of the main interfaces but if this is not working as you would expect, please fill in the eResource issue help form

For assistance, fill in the eResource issue help form

The Studying Effectively website includes a Referencing books page. This explains how to reference eBooks.

Some ebooks allow users to customise them for their own needs and many will work with assistive technologies such as screen-reader software.

The library’s Alternative Formats Service works with disabled students who need help in this area, and can be contacted on alternativeformats@nottingham.ac.uk