Downloading eBooks @ VCC Library: eBook FAQ

That depends!  eBook Collection (EBSCOhost) and Ebook Central (Proquest) eBooks can be read page-by-page on a browser without downloading.  Overdrive requires downloading to your computer or mobile device. The benefits of downloading an eBook are:

• You can read the eBook even if you're not connected to the internet.
• You can read the eBook on many different devices.
• If the eBook has restrictions on the number of users who can view it at any given time, downloading an eBook means that it will be available to you throughout the checkout period.

The eBook is checked out for a limited time and cannot be accessed by other patrons during this period. When the time is up, the eBook is automatically ‘returned’ to the library - no late returns!

Note: Deleting an eBook from your device will not check the book back in for use by others, so be considerate when choosing your checkout time.

If the eBook you want to download is in use by another person, you can place a hold on it.  This ensures that you are notified when the book becomes available, and keeps the book from being checked out by another user before you. 

Placing a hold on an eBook is only available in eBook Collection (EBSCOhost), and you must have a My EBSCOhost account in order to place a hold.  See the eBook Collection (EBSCOhost) section of this Guide for instructions on creating a free EBSCOhost account. To place a hold, enter your preferred email address in the field provided and click the Place Hold button. 

The eBook is placed in the Holds area of your My EBSCOhost Folder when it becomes available.  You are notified via the email address you provided and have 2 days to download the eBook before it becomes available for anyone to check out.

The steps for transferring a PDF from your computer to your eReader are different for each device.  Here are a few guides that can help you transfer PDFs to major eReaders:

We have some audiobooks in the Overdrive collection (popular fiction and nonfiction).  Visit your local public library in person or online to access much more.

Adobe DRM is a digital rights management (DRM) system created by Adobe.  A digital rights management system limits the amount of copying, printing, and sharing of eBooks (and other online content like music and video games).  Adobe DRM may also be called Adept, ADE, Adobe Digital Editions, or Adobe Reader Mobile.  Kindle is one of the only eReaders that is not compatible with Adobe DRM. A a list of devices that are is available here:

For books in the Ebook Collection and Ebook Central, you can choose your download format - PDF or EPUB. Books in PDF retain the look and feel of the print book. EPUB allows you to resize the text of the book, change fonts/colours, and easily navigate to various sections of the ebook.