Using an eBook from your university library is different to buying your own. Not only will you be accessing eBooks from different platforms (websites/databases), but how you can view and use that eBook will also vary. Copyright and publisher's restrictions control how students use library eBooks. This webpage has been designed to help you understand some of the complex issues library's face when providing eBook access. It will hopefully also explain why you sometimes have difficulties accessing academic eBooks.
Not all books are available for libraries to buy as an eBook. If they are available libraries are required to buy licences. How many licences (one, three, unlimited) depends on the publisher. The other major factor is the cost of the licences, again determined by the publisher. Some can be comparable with the print version but there are some licences that can be very expensive.
Let's take a closer look at the purchasing models
Single User Licence
A single user licence means that only one person can read the eBook at a time. This is like buying one copy of the print book; however, the advantage of a single user licence (over a single print copy) is that the eBook is only unavailable for the length of time that the current user is physically reading it, whereas a print copy is lent to an individual for a minimum of a week.
Libraries can buy as many single user licences as long as the price is similar to that of a print book; however, this is not always the case. Single user licences can range from £10 to £1000!
Ebook Central and VLeBooks are the two main providers of titles purchased with a single user licence (or multiple purchases of single user licences).
Three User Licences
This is like buying three copies of the print book at one set price. Three user licences allow three people to view the same eBook at the same time.
Again, Ebook Central and VLeBooks are the two main providers of titles purchased with a three user licence.
If you try to read an eBook where there is only a limited number of licences and all the licences are being used you will be asked to join a queue or leave your email address so that you can be alerted when the eBook is available to view.
Unlimited Access
This is the preferred option for all libraries because it means that anybody can access the eBook at any time, as often as they like. Unsurprisingly, this option is not often available and, when it is, can be costly.
Credits
The credit system is based on libraries buying a set number of credits per eBook. A credit is used every time a percentage of the eBook is viewed. Once all the credits have been used the eBook is no longer accessible.
Credits last a year, renewing annually from the date of purchase.
There is no limit to the number of users viewing an eBook so, if a title is on the credit system, you will not be turned away because another user is viewing it. However, you may find that access to this title is denied if all credits are used for that particular year.
User Activated Acquisition (UAA)
BibliU provides access to User Acquired Acquisition (UAA) eBooks. The library pays for you to access the eBook if you view more than 20 pages. BibliU eBooks can be read and downloaded for as long as the library subscribes to it.
UAA is a good solution for books that are not available to buy through one of the other models.
Title by Title
The library purchases access to a particular title (based on the cost of the ebook and the number of students on a particular module). The subscription is for one year, after that the book will no longer be available.
The library uses BibliU for this model.
Packages
The publisher provides a selection of ebook titles, putting them into packages that they then offer to libraries on an annual subscription. Publishers can remove and add titles throughout the year, or annually, so you may find a title that was previously available is no longer showing on the library website. If this happens it is recommended that you contact your Academic Subject Librarian.
Some of the packages that the library subscribes to are:
Ebook Platforms
When you click to view an eBook you will be directed to either the provider or publisher's website (also referred to as eBook platforms). This is why the look of an ebook varies. Click here for a complete list of eBook platforms used by the University of Lincoln library.
The various platforms require you to familiarise yourself with different layouts and features.
Things to look for when you first access an ebook:
Number of copies available
Look for information about the number of licences available and whether it can be read on the screen or downloaded:
If this information is not provided you may be looking at an ebook that has unlimited access. Some of the databases that provide unlimited access are:
The following platforms are not exclusively unlimited access but there will be titles within them that are:
Download
The number of eBook platforms that offer the download option are limited.
- All BibliU titles can be downloaded for the length of the library's subscription. Information on how to download a BibliU eBook is available here.
- There are some titles on VLeBooks that can be downloaded for a maximum of three days. You will need to have Adobe Digital Editions installed on your computer or mobile device to be able to proceed.
- A chapter or a selection of pages may be downloaded from EBSCO eBooks and Ebook Central.
Printing
Printing from eBooks is limited by copyright to one chapter or 10% of the total (whichever is greater). When you go to print pages from an eBook, it will tell you how many you are allowed to print.
Copying
Copying text from eBooks has the same copyright restrictions as printing: one chapter or 10% of the total (whichever is greater). If copying is allowed it will tell you how many pages.
The cost of eBooks to University Libraries
Academic eBooks are expensive. Not all eBooks are continuously available so it should not be assumed that, because a title has been available in the past, it will continue to be. Academic libraries work to provide e-access to as many essential or recommended texts (on reading lists) as possible but, budgets are limited. If a title is not available electronically it is either because the publisher has not made the eBook readily available for libraries to purchase or, the cost is just too high.
The future
The academic eBook market has been an issue for many years but, in recent months, it has been challenged:
- University and College Union demands regulator step in and review ebook industry
- Campaign to investigate the academic ebook market
- JISC - Joint statement on access to e-book and e-textbook content
- How the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated an e-book crisis and the #ebooksos campaign for reform
This has highlighted the issues that libraries face when trying to provide e-access to textbooks, but it has not stopped publisher's increasing the cost of eBooks.
If you have any questions about accessing or using academic eBooks, please contact your Academic Subject Librarian.
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