OU Libraries has an extensive collection of eBooks in a wide array of subjects. They include eBooks from many different publishers and are hosted on a variety of platforms. You can access eBooks in our collection by searching Library OneSearch. Alternatively, you can browse the eBook collections listed on our Database A-Z web page. Guidelines for accessing, downloading, and printing will vary by publisher. Here is a guide that outlines the features and capabilities of our main eBook publishers and platforms.
Some eBook publishers include a form of copyright protection, DRM (Digital Rights Management), which could limit how much content you can print, download, and save. From the eBook record, you can see how many copies are available, what type of restrictions may apply, and an option to download a copy of the eBook. Here are examples of eBook records from two of our main providers.
When you view an eBook online, you can read the book using your internet browser. This does not require you to check out the book or install any reading software. When you download or check out an eBook, you can read the book offline. You may need to create an account and install eBook reading software, such as Adobe Digital Editions.
The ability to download eBooks vary greatly across our provider's platforms. Some allow a full book or chapter download that can be used on any device with a set number of copies available and days to check out, while others may have no limitations (DRM-Free).
Being able to print an eBook depends on both the platform and publisher. Some publishers allow a set number of chapters, pages, or a percentage of the book. In addition, these limitations could reset after a certain time period, such as 24 hours.
The eBook record on the provider's site should include detailed information concerning the number of pages you can download and/or print, in addition to how many users can check out an eBook, or other restrictions. Some of our publishers do provide DRM Free content, which means there are no restrictions on downloading or printing.
The number of people allowed to use an eBook at one time depends on restrictions put in place by the publisher or the number of copies or type of usage we have purchased. Some eBooks have unlimited, simultaneous use (unlimited), while others may have a set number of loans per year (non-linear). Other eBooks have a set number of copies available for loan, similar to print books.
The loan period for an eBook is set by the publisher or platform. If the eBook is available DRM Free, it is available for an unlimited number of downloads that never expire.
EPUB format is an open eBook standard and file format that is optimized for viewing on all types of devices. It adjusts font size and will resize to fit your screen. EPUB is compatible with many eReaders and reading apps. A PDF is not a "reflowable" document, meaning you will not be able to adjust the presentation or optimize for use on small screens. You are restricted to increasing/decreasing the size of the page or zooming in/out.
DRM stands for Digital Rights Management. It is a form of copyright protection and can vary by publisher. DRM-Free resources do not include these copyright protections and can be copied, printed, downloaded, and saved in their entirety. They can also be accessed simultaneously by an unlimited number of users.
