What is an e-book?
E-books are electronic versions of printed books. Nowadays there are publishing houses that publish only the e-book version. One of the advantages with e-books is that you can search the entire text of an e-book. They are also available 24/7, they are never out on loan or disfaced and you don't need to worry about fines for returning the book late.
The books are bought from different publishers, all of whom have their own platforms with different ways of displaying e-books. The rules for use and for "loans" vary, so you have to check for restrictions.
How many e-books does Uppsala University Library have?
The Library has bought or subscribes to over 300,000 e-books. There are reference works, manuals and ordinary books. Many of them are English books from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Where can I read an e-book?
The Library's e-books can be read on all computers that are connected to the University network but also from home when you log in with your account details. Some e-books can be downloaded on to handheld computers and wireless reading devices (e-book readers).
E-books are often displayed in PDF format, which requires Adobe Reader for reading them.
How can I find e-books?
•Uppsala university library catalogue
Search for a title, an author or a keyword in the same way as you do for an ordinary book. The book record will include a link to the e-book.
• List of e-book collections
You can also find an e-book by going straight to the e-book collection, for example AccessMedicine or Ebrary. Once there, search for a specific book or search the full text of all the e-books that the Library has bought from the collection.
Use Primo Central to search several e-book collections at the same time. Limit your search to resource type Books.
What are the rules for using e-books?
There are licences which regulate the e-books in the Library where the publishers set out their requirements about how they are to be used. This is why there are sometimes restrictions regarding how much can be copied or printed out. Abuse can result in Uppsala University losing access temporarily or even permanently and in the worst case scenario we can be sued. Disciplinary action will therefore be taken against people breaking the rules. In cases of doubt about the regulations, please contact the Section for E-resources.
Read more about rules for use in the list of e-book collections.
Can I download/save a whole book on my computer or electronic reading device?
The rules vary between the different e-book providers, but usually downloading or saving to your own computer is very restricted. The idea is that the text should be read online.
E-books bought from EBL (Ebook Library) can be downloaded for one day and for this you need to install Adobe Digital Editions. Books from Springer are free to download and read offline.
How can I copy and make printouts from e-books?
Different e-book providers have different systems and rules. In certain cases you can save or print out one chapter at a time, in others you are only allowed to print out a few pages. It is important to read the information on your monitor and follow the instructions as well as reading the conditions that you sometimes have to accept in order to create a user account or progress to the next step.
Can I make notes and highlight text in e-books?
You can usually do this in e-books. In order to save your notes and highlighting for your next visit, you have to create your own user account for each platform.
Can I use e-books for my courses?
It is fine to use e-books for course books. It often helps students since there is unlimited access to e-books and they are available from home at any time of the day or night. If you have any questions about electronic course materials, contact the Section for E-resources.
