eBooks: Getting Started
The Parrott Centre – www.loyalistlibrary.com
EBooks are electronic books that can be read by using a computer or other electronic device. Accessing
eBooks from the library allows you to search for, borrow and read books at any time, from any location
with internet access. The Parrott Centre provides access to a range of eBook content that can be read on
computers, eReaders and other portable devices.
What do I need to get started?
To download eBooks, you’ll need the following:
• a valid library login; this is made up of your student number and password
• a free copy of Adobe Digital Editions
• an account with EbscoHost and ProQuest
• or iOS or Android devices, a free copy of Bluefire Reader is recommended
To avoid issues accessing your eBooks, we recommend that all of your accounts and software are
linked to the same email address.
How do I find eBooks?
The easiest way to find our eBooks is to look in our catalogue. From our homepage, simply type your
query into the search box. From the search results, you’ll be able to tell which items are eBooks.
How do I read eBooks?
Once you find the title you’re looking for, there are a few different ways to access your eBook:
Reading eBooks on Your Computer
1. All of our eBooks have a PDF Full Text option. Simply click on this link, and your eBook will open
automatically.
2. If you’re working on a computer away from Loyalist College, you’ll be asked to authenticate your
account using your student number and password. The pdf. will not be saved on your computer, so once
you close your browser window, the information will be lost.
Downloading onto Your Computer
Can’t read your book right now? You can download eBooks onto your laptop or desktop and read them
offline.
1. Click on the Download (Offline) option.
2. If you don’t have an EbscoHost account, or are not logged in, you’ll be asked to create a new account
or log in. Don’t worry, it’s free!
3. Once you’re signed in to EbscoHost, a pop-up window will appear asking you to select your checkout
period; the maximum checkout period is fourteen days. You’ll need Adobe Digital Editions to open your
book offline; there’s a link posted under Viewing Requirements.
4. Once the book has been downloaded to your computer, you’ll be able to open it using Adobe Digital
Editions, or another type of reader software. The link will appear at the bottom of your screen.
5. You might also get results that don’t have a Download (Offline) option; don’t worry, you can still get
to your book! Click on the title to open the full page result for the item you want.
6. Then, click on the Loyalist College Access option, located on the left side of your screen.
7. A new page will open, and you’ll see a few different options for accessing your eBook.
8. To read the book offline, you’ll need to select the Full Download option. If you don’t already have a
ProQuest account, or aren’t logged in, you’ll be prompted to create a new account or sign in.
9. Once you’re logged in, you’ll be prompted to select the type of device you’ll be using, and will be
asked to verify if you have Adobe Digital Editions downloaded.
10. Once the book has been downloaded to your computer, you’ll be able to open it using Adobe, or
another type of reader software. The link will appear at the bottom of your screen.
EBooks on Kindle, Sony, or Kobo
The eBook providers used by the Parrott Centre Library do not officially support downloads for devices
such as the Kindle, the Kobo, or Sony eReaders. If you would like to view your eBook on one of these
devices, follow the instructions outlines in Downloading onto Your Computer. Once the eBook has been
downloaded to your eReader software, connect your device to your computer, and drag and drop the
eBook file onto your device.
EBooks on Android Devices
Our eBook collections are also supported on Android and iOS devices; downloading to these devices is
very similar to the process outlined in Downloading onto Your Computer; you can see images of this
process in that section.
1. Ensure your device is connected to the internet, and go to www.loyalistlibrary.com to conduct your
search.
2. Once you’ve located the book you need, click on Download (Offline) or Loyalist College Access
button.
3. Ensure that you’ve logged in to your EbscoHost or ProQuest account; the system will prompt you with
the correct login. Make sure that you also have Adobe Digital Editions or Bluefire Reader downloaded to
your device.
Please note! To avoid issues accessing your eBooks, we recommend that all of your accounts and
software are linked to the same email address.
4. If you’re using EbscoHost, a pop-up window will appear asking you to select your checkout period and
prompting you to download the book. Once the book is downloaded, you can open it using Adobe
Digital Editions or Bluefire Reader, which should already be installed on your device.
5. If you’re using ProQuest, a pop-up window will appear asking you to select the type of device you’re
using, and then prompting you to download the book. Once the book is downloaded, you can open it
using Adobe Digital Editions or Bluefire Reader.
FAQ
Can I borrow an eReader or other device from the library?
No. The library does not currently provide any devices for customers to borrow. However, we are happy
to help you get started with using the library's eBook collections; we can be reached by phone or inperson during the library’s business hours.
Why are there limits on the number of eBook copies and the length of time they can be borrowed?
Publishers and authors set the terms of use for all copyrighted materials, and the library agrees to those
terms when we purchase the eBooks.
Why can't I find the eBook I want to read? Can I suggest a title for purchase?
Some publishers are not yet making their eBooks available to libraries and others have placed special
conditions on them. This means that sometimes we will have the print copy of a book but we will not
have the eBook version. To suggest an eBook for purchase, please send us an email.