Ways to read and use eBooks can vary depending on the publisher and the eBook provider. General advice is provided here, but more specific advice can be found in the help pages of the relevant eBook platform, listed below.
You can search for ebooks using Library Search which can be accessed via the Library Home Page. Simply type in the name of the eBook in the search box and click the magnifying glass symbol to the right to see if we have it. To narrow your search to eBooks only click Available Online in the list of filters underneath where it says Availability.
If you are off campus, you will be required to enter your MWS username and password before you can access the eBook.
You can also use the search function inside individual eBook platforms, see the Help pages for eBook platforms tab below.
Many of the eBooks in our collection can be downloaded to a personal computer or mobile device (you will be taken to the mobile-optimised version of the site). Download to a dedicated eBook Reader is sometimes supported; check the help pages for the relevant eBook platform (below) for instructions. Rather than using a dedicated eBook reader, we suggest you use an iPad or other tablet, or mobile device.
Where eBooks can be downloaded, different providers use different file formats (e.g. PDF, or ePUB). A PDF reader (on a computer or mobile device) is required in most cases. eBook platforms will specify if specific software is required, which you will need to install before downloading the eBook, for example Adobe Digital Editions or Kortext Reader.
Please note that PDF readers cannot be downloaded on University PC Centre PCs. You can however, install on your own pc, laptop, tablet or other mobile device.
A dedicated eBook reader is much more limited: it might only work with a specific file type, or with files purchased from a particular store. As PDF files can't be made to 're flow' on an eBook reader, you need to zoom in and move around the text, whereas on a tablet or laptop you can use a PDF reader app or software designed for just that, which gives much greater flexibility.
You can copy and print from most of the library's eBooks. You will usually be allowed to copy and print up to 10% of a title (in accordance with copyright restrictions).
However, restrictions to copying and printing can vary depending on the publisher and the eBook platform. Some books are subject to additional limits.
eBook platforms with titles subject to additional restrictions include ProQuest eBook central, EBSCOhost eBooks and DawsonEra. When you view an eBook on those platforms, they display information about the specific copy / print limits that apply to it.
EBooks are not strictly "borrowed" as print books are, as they are only available to read online or to be downloaded under license agreements with eBook providers/vendors. Consequently they are not issued on your library account with your University / library card, and do not need to be "returned".
If you have problems accessing eBooks or require help in using them, use one of the Contact us methods on this page.
Some eBooks purchased by the library are subject to a limit on the number of readers that can access the book at the same time.
This is due to how the eBooks are sold and licenced, and is similar to to having a specific number of copies of the printed book on the shelves. Different books on the same eBook platform can be subject to different simultaneous reader limits.
When you view an eBook, the eBook platform will display information about the number of copies available.
If no copies are available when you select the eBook, try again in 15 to 20 minutes, as one may have become available. If the current reader stops using the eBook for a length of time, it will automatically be made available to other readers. Some eBook platforms offer a ‘queue’ or alerting service to allow you to be notified when the eBook does become available.
The Library will always try to get electronic versions of key reading. However, sometimes publishers don't make texts available as eBooks which can be licensed by libraries. You can request an ebook version via the Get It For Me, or contact your Liaison Librarian.
Please note, we are unable to license eBooks from Amazon. Occasionally, the cost of institutional licenses for eBooks can be prohibitive.
Please see the list below for specific eBook platforms' general help, privacy and accessibility standards.
| Links to available help pages for some major eBook platforms: | |||
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Askews and Holts VLE Books |
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Bloomsbury |
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Cambridge Core (Cambridge University Press) |
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Early English Books Online (EEBO) |
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Early European Books |
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EBSCO eBooks |
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Eighteenth Century Collections Online (ECCO) |
access via 'help' link in resource |
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ElgarOnline |
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IEEE Xplore eBooks |
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JSTOR |
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Oxford Scholarship Online |
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Proquest eBook Central (EBC) |
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ScienceDirect eBooks |
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SpringerLink |
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Taylor & Francis eBooks |
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Wiley Online Library |
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If the eBook platform you are using is not listed above, information about accessibility, privacy can usually be found as links at the bottom of the webpage or via the platforms help pages.
Accessibility statements for online Library resources are also available via Databases - Accessibility Statements. The list provides links to the accessibility statements of vendors of library databases, e-journal and e-book platforms in our collections.
The list will be updated as more links to accessibility statements become available.