Ebooks

An introduction to ebooks at the EMU library.

Firefox problem

ProQuest ebooks aren't working with the current Firefox browser. Currently, the only fix for this is to use a different browser.

General Tips

Tips 

  1. Library ebooks work well on computers, laptops, and some other devices that use a standard web browser. They might not work on some devices, such as cell phones.
  2.  Library ebooks often don't allow you to print or copy pages (some allow a limited amount of copying/printing). 
  3.  Some ebooks can be temporarily downloaded to your computer and some can only be read online, depending on whether the book is a multiple-user version or a single-user version.
  4.  If you want to save the ebook as a favorite in your browser, save the Esearch page or look for the stable link to the ebook (see instructions below). If you try to save a web address that you see after logging in to the book, the link will not work later.
  5. When you are finished reading the book, close the browser window and the book will become available to another student. If you aren't actively using the book, the book will close automatically after no activity (but you may be able to log back in).
  6.  If you have trouble logging in, the most common problems are:
    a. You may need to set your browser to accept cookies.
    b. If your EMU NetID password has expired, you may need to change your password.
    c. You are using an older version of a browser. Try updating your browser or try a different browser.
    Browser Requirements for ProQuest
        
  7. You may be able to get immediate help using the ebook from Ask a Librarian chat.

Be Wary of using Download PDF!
You can read the entire book online, but in most cases can only print out or download a limited number of pages. You may want to be wary of using the download PDF option to read chapters, as this will quickly deplete your printing quota. It may be better to use Read Online - then print only specific pages that you want. The Book Details page shows how many pages you are allowed to print or download.

Extra Features
You can use the row of icons across the top of ProQuest Central pages to do things like bookmark a page, highlight text, add notes, etc. See the short video at the bottom of this page for an overview of these features.

Logging in to view the ebook

For ProQuest Central Ebooks you will be asked to log in with your EMU NetID both on and off campus.  If you aren't asked to log in, there may be an issue with the link you have to the book. In that case, try searching for the ebook in Esearch (use ebook search provided below).

If you are asked to log in and your login doesn't work, you may need to update your NetID password (see Login Problems below).

To authenticate your browser needs to accept cookies. If you have trouble logging into the book, you may need to change browser settings to accept cookies.

Single-user, three-user, and unlimited ebooks

Most ProQuest Central ebooks in EMU's collection are single user ebooks. For some high-use titles the library was able to purchase ebooks that allow more than one person to use them at one time.

The initial page of the ebook will indicate which type of ebook you are using. That initial page will also indicate how many pages you are allowed to print or download from the ebook, which will vary for different books.

Single User Ebooks
If you get a message that the ebook is being read by another student, you will need to try to login again later. When that student logs out of the book or is timed out of the book for inactivity, a different student will be able to access the book. Librarians can see that ebook busy signals don't happen often, but it's wise to read ahead as the book is more likely to be busy right before a test or assignment due date. You can read single user ebooks online, but won't be able to download the entire book.

Three User Ebooks
Up to 3 students at a time can read these titles.  If you are the 4th student trying to access the book, you will need to try to login again later. When a student logs out of the book or is timed out of the book for inactivity, you will be able to access the book. Librarians can see that these busy signals are rare, but it's wise to read ahead as the book is more likely to be busy right before a test or assignment due date. You can read 3-user ebooks online, but won't be able to download the entire book.

Unlimited Ebooks or Multiple Copies Ebooks
Any number of EMU students can access a multiple user ebook and the book should never be busy. You will usually also be able to download the entire book to your computer for a limited amount of time: either one week or one day, depending on the title. If you haven't finished using the book, you can log back in and download the book again.

Search for Ebooks in the Library

This search finds only the online books in the EMU Library.

Esearch logo  

Linking to the Esearch record

Permanent links provided in Esearch already include EZproxy information. Just select the Permanent Link next to the book title in the search results, and copy the URL:

Esearch permanent link example

Finding a Stable Direct Link to the Ebook

A stable direct link for an ebook from ProQuest Ebook Central can be found on the initial page for the ebook (or Detail Page). Look to the left for Share Link to Book.  This link is already set for access from off campus (EMU Proxy.)

Log-in Problems?

Using library online resources and databases from off-campus requires your EMU netID login and password.

Most Common Solution:

Still having problems?

Not a current EMU Student?

  • Use MeL Databases. These databases can be used by Michigan residents.

Accommodations for Accessibility

How to highlight, add notes, search within the book, enlarge text, share a link to the book, etc

Is the ProQuest Ebook Platform down?