How to use eBooks
For UVA Library eBooks, the most commonly used platforms are ProQuest Ebook Central, Taylor and Francis Online, and EBSCO. We've linked below instructions and video tutorials to help explain how to use each platform.
ProQuest Ebook Central
ProQuest Ebook Central is our preferred eBook platform when available as an option. It's very user friendly! When using Ebook Central, we recommend using either the "Read Online" feature or to download individual chapters from the table of contents as PDFs. In most cases, we DO NOT recommend using the "Full Download" button. The "Full Download" button doesn't download as a PDF, it will require you to use Adobe Digital Editions software to rent the book digitally for a short period. The Adobe software does a terrible job of saving your notes/highlights, so this is why we discourage it.
ProQuest Ebook Central eBooks fall into one of three categories: single user, multi-user, or unlimited users. If your textbook is a “single user” eBook, you can still download the individual chapter you need from the table of contents as a PDF and read that chapter offline without locking others out of the book.
If your textbook is "unlimited" then you can use the "Read Online" feature or download individual chapters from the table of contents. Not sure what user category your eBook is? Check out the video below to learn how to use the book details page.
ProQuest's "Read Online" feature is a great way to take notes, highlight, bookmark and digitally navigate your textbook. If you have a stable internet connection and your textbook is "unlimited", this is the way to go! Check out the video below for an overview on the tools built into the online reader. You will want to create a ProQuest Ebook Central account, this is not the same as your UVA log-in. It can be whatever email account and password you choose.
Taylor and Francis Online
Taylor and Francis eBooks can either be read online via the Kortext platform or you can download their books in full as PDFs to read offline. Their eBooks can also be downloaded as individual chapters if you only need specific sections for your course. If you want to read online and use their platform to highlight, take notes, and bookmark content you will need to create a personal account. This is not the same as your UVA log-in. It can be whatever email account and password you choose. To learn more about how to use their online reader, Kortext, watch the video below.
EBSCO eBooks
EBSCO eBooks can vary with access. Depending on the eBook you may have the option to download as either a PDF or EPUB format. If the book is a single-user book, we have disabled downloads and you can only use the EBSCO online reader. Watch the video below for an overview. If you wish to save notes, highlights, and bookmark content, you will want to create a personal EBSCO account. This is not the same as your UVA log-in. It can be whatever email account and password you choose.