eBook Collections and Access

Access Models

• 1 Book / 1 User: Only one user can access the eBook at a time.

• 1 Book / 3 Users: Up to three users can access the eBook simultaneously.

• Unlimited Users: An unlimited number of users can access the eBook at the same time.

• Concurrent (EBSCO) / Non-Linear (ProQuest): Unlimited simultaneous access. However, the total number of loan days per year is capped (typically 325/365). Each day the eBook is accessed counts as one loan day, regardless of the number of users. For example, if 20 students access the book on the same day, that counts as 20 loan days, leaving 305/345 loan days remaining. This limit resets annually.

What triggers the "use" of an eBook?

• Online browsing after a set period of time or turning a set number of pages (typically, 5-10 minutes/pages, depending on the platform).

• Downloading, emailing, or printing the eBook.

• Checking out the eBook (each day an eBook is checked out counts as one use/loan day).

What are the default download / loan periods for OU Library eBooks?

• Generally, the loan period is limited to one day.  eBooks with unlimited access or included in a subscribed package may have more options.
• If an eBook is in high-use (e.g., required reading for a course), the loan period may be reduced to two hours.