Research Guides: Ebooks @ The University of Alabama: Downloading and Software

Search for Ebooks Across Collections

Scout
Scout includes both books and eBooks. Remember to use the "print books" or "eBooks" search filters on the left-hand side of the screen.
Databases A-Z List
Find the best library databases for your research. You can limit your search using the drop down menu "All Database Types" at the top of the screen.

Accessing e-books from Off-Campus

Faculty, staff, and students affiliated with The University of Alabama should log in using their MyBama credentials before accessing e-books in the major e-book collections and eReference from off-campus. If you have any problems with off-campus access, please contact E-Resources

E-book Formats

epub

open e-book standard created by the Int'l. Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF) with reflowable text, inline images, and the ability to use Digital Rights Management (DRM) such as Adobe Digital Editions

azw

Amazon's proprietary DRM restricted format

PDF

document sharing format created in the early 90s with highly formatted content and ability to use DRM with Adobe Digital Editions

mobi

format primarily designed for PDAs and older mobile devices; also used on Kindle

irf

Sony's proprietary formats (LRF, LRS, LRX) superseded by Sony's acceptance of epub as the default format

Adobe Digital Editions

To download an e-book to your computer, you may need Adobe Digital Editions. This is not required to view the PDF in your browser.

Adobe Digital Editions
To view and manage e-books downloaded to your computer in either ePub or PDF format. List of Supported Devices
When downloading Adobe Digital Editions you will be prompted to create an Adobe ID.

Adobe Digital Editions allows for you to highlight text and make annotations. However, these annotations will not remain visible in the book you’ve downloaded after you return the book or it is renewed.

E-Reader Software

There is a variety of software available for downloading, managing, and reading e-books. This list contains links to some software you might find useful.

Adobe Digital Editions
To view and manage e-books downloaded to your computer in either ePub or PDF format. List of Supported Devices
When downloading Adobe Digital Editions you will be prompted to create an Adobe ID.
Aldiko
Read e-books in ePub or PDF format that have been transferred from Adobe Digital Editions to an Android device.
Calibre
Free e-book management application developed by e-book users.
Kindle App
Amazon's free app available for most PCs and mobile devices
Nook App
Barnes and Novel's app is freely available for PC, MAC, and most mobile devices.

Downloading and Printing Information

Most e-book platforms allow you to download and/or print at least some of an e-book. The four listed below are popular at the University of Alabama. Other platforms may have different downloading or printing allowances.

Collection	Downloading	Printing	More Help
EBSCOhost	In general, entire book	A limited number of pages can be printed or saved	EBSCO eBooks User Guide
Springer eBooks	By chapter or entire book	No page limit	Full book downloading as pdf files
Proquest Ebook Central	By chapter or entire book	No page limit	Download Guide
Wiley Online Library	By chapter only	Chapter by chapter, no page limit	Downloading Wiley Ebooks

Accessing E-books on the EBSCO Platform

Many of the e-books purchased at The University of Alabama are accessible from the EBSCO platform. EBSCO is a major e-book provider to academic libraries. You can find additional information about EBSCO e-books from the EBSCO eBooks: For eBook Users Libguide https://ebsco.libguides.com/ebooks/users