Ebooks

You might have trouble accessing EBSCO ebooks if you have accumulated too many cookies on your browser. Deleting browing data usually solves this problem.

EBSCO 1-user and 3-user ebooks can have access issues.  If you do get a busy signal, wait for 30 minutes before trying again to access the ebook. If you keep trying to log in every few seconds, you can cause the ebook to get "hung up." It's wise to read ahead as the book is more likely to be busy right before a test or assignment due date. Unfortunately, for many titles one of these limited user ebooks is the only option available for library purchase.

Zotero Connector Extension problems
If you use the Zotero Connector Extension, the settings on the Zotero Connector Extension can cause you to have trouble using EBSCO ebooks. To solve this:
1. Right click the extension icon. In Chrome, this is in the upper right hand corner, and it changes depending on the type of website currently being viewed. You might have to click the puzzle piece plug-in icon to view the Zotero Connector.

2. Select "This can read and change site data."

3. From the options, change the selected option from "On all sites" to "When you click the extension." 

After making this change some sites will not be automatically proxied as they were before. 

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). For EBSCO ebooks, look in the details listed on the first page for information on how many pages you are allowed to print/email/save.
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 (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 (although there will be a time delay before the next student can use the ebook.) 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.
7. You may be able to get immediate help using the ebook from Ask a Librarian chat.

Unfortunately, EBSCO ebooks don't work well on some devices and there can be access issues with EBSCO ebooks.

If you are on campus, you don't need to login to access an EBSCO ebook. If if you are off campus,  you will be asked to log in with your EMU NetID.  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 E-search (use ebook search provided below).

You might have trouble accessing EBSCO ebooks if you have accumulated too many cookies on your browser. Deleting brower data usually solves this problem. This is the most common access problem with EBSCO ebooks.

If your login doesn't work, it's possible that 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.

Most EBSCO 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.

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 leaves the ebook or is timed out of the book for inactivity, a different student will be able to access the book but there is a time lag before another student can access the ebook. If you do get a busy signal, wait for 30 minutes before trying again to access the ebook. If you keep trying to log in every few seconds, you can cause the ebook to get "hung up." It's wise to read ahead as the book is more likely to be busy right before a test or assignment due date. 

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 leaves the ebook or is timed out of the book for inactivity, a different student will be able to access the book but there is a time lag before another student can access the ebook. If you do get a busy signal, wait for 30 minutes before trying again to access the ebook. If you keep trying to log in every few seconds, you can cause the ebook to get "hung up." It's wise to read ahead as the book is more likely to be busy right before a test or assignment due date. 

Unlimited User Access Ebooks
Any number of EMU students can access an unlimited user ebook and the book should never be busy. 

*EBSCO 1-user and 3-user ebooks can have access issues. There is a technical problem with the EBSCO platform, so that an ebook can become less available to students. When a student leaves the web page the ebook remains in a state where it is unavailable to other users for a period of time, including to the same student trying to get back into the ebook. EBSCO is aware of the problem, but we don't know if or when this will be fixed. Unfortunately, there are cases where the only ebook available for a title is one of these limited user EBSCO ebooks. These can still be helpful as a reserves copy for students, but they won't work well if many students are asked to use the ebook over a short period of time.

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:

To create a stable link for EBSCO ebooks, use the share icon in the top right corner of the screen (looks like a curved arrow). This creates a stable link that is not set for access from off campus (EMU Proxy), you will need to add the proxy prefix to the link.

Create links that include the EMU Proxy and allow on and off-campus access to library resources:

• The link must be a stable, persistent link. See What is a stable link?, above.
• Do not add the proxy to freely available sites (such as free news or magazine sites) - the link will not work.  

To use library online resources and databases from home

• Use links on EMU library web site or guides. Going directly to journal or database websites will not usually work.
• Enter your EMU netID login and password.

Problems?

• Overdue to change your EMU NetID password? Changing your password often solves the problem.

Other access problems?

• Check Troubleshooting Access
• Submit a question for an email or phone reply

Not a current EMU Student?

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