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E-Books Guide 2023

Frequent Asked Questions

Why can’t the library get the exact E-Book I have requested via Leganto reading lists?

Unfortunately, not all titles are available for the library to purchase or may be too expensive and not fulfil the specific requirements of the course.

I can see the E-Book available on Amazon can the library get a copy from them?

Library E-Book licensing is different than for individual personal use. This means we purchase via our approved suppliers, and this allows multiple users to access.

Why are E-Books so important to purchase and are they prioritised over print copies?

The Library has a digital first policy for resource purchasing as E-Books provide access for all students whether studying on campus or distance learning and they are important when it comes to accessibility needs with the various options of downloading, highlighting and read aloud provided. The Library continues to buy print copies where digital versions aren't available or by special request (e,g for certain accessibility needs.)

If an E-Book is not available does that mean the library do not own a copy?

E-Books are purchased by the library via Leganto reading lists and according to demand. If an E-Book is required for teaching, it needs to be added to a current reading list and tagged as essential. The library team will then look to purchase the best available version.

When trying to access E-Book I get the message “Add to Queue”

This means that the title is being read by the maximum number of readers stipulated on the licence. Clicking the 'add to queue button' means that you will be e-mailed when a copy becomes available.

If you are placed in a queue or received a message that ‘this e-book has reached its concurrent user limit’ it is because the book is being used by the maximum number of users permitted by the licence type

Please close your browser window once you have finished reading the e-book, as this will keep waiting times down to a minimum.

When trying to access E-Book the message says “Reserve” is the only option available

This means that the title is being read by the maximum number of readers stipulated on the license. Clicking the ‘reserve’ button adds you to the queue of people waiting to use this title and means that you will be emailed when a copy becomes available.

Please close your browser window once you have finished reading the e-book, as this will keep waiting times down to a minimum

Can I renew E-Books?

E-books can’t be renewed. However, once you come to the end of a download period you can download it again immediately.

I was told that my E-Books had expired

If you get a message that your permission to view an e-book has expired, you have probably exceeded your download period. To view the e-book, go back onto the e-book platform and download it again.

I am getting an error message when I try to access E-Books

Close your browser and re-open and try to access the resource again. If you are still having problems, please try clearing cookies and the cache in the browser and re try. You can also try accessing via a different browser.

We do see instances where a specific resource is blocked by your local institution or countries firewall so if you are accessing from places of work such as NHS or MOD you can check with your local IT department.

How Long do the notes users make last for?

The user will have access to the notes while using the resource. We recommend saving and exporting all notes so that they can be used and worked on even if the books is not available

Can i print and copy E-Books?

You can print and copy from E-Books although the exact amount per resource is subject to publisher copyright. The copyright allowance will show the user how many pages are allowed to be printed.

I am having problems accessing e-Books 

E-Book Current Issues Help Guide