How to download an eBook , Hei tuku iho i tētahi Īpukapuka

If you want to read an ebook on your laptop or desktop computer offline, you may need to download some software first. Learn how.

Only download an ebook if you need to read it offline (when you are not connected to the internet).

Reading the ebook online is your best option if you are using a computer in the library or in any Massey computer lab. It is easier and offers more options for printing, copying, and annotating.

Download ebooks to read offline

Look for links such as: Full Download, Download Book or similar.

Some ebooks have limits on how many people can use that ebook at the same time. If the user limit is reached, you may need to come back later to see if a copy has become available for download.

EBSCOhost and Ebook Central

Two of the main ebook platforms are EBSCOhost and Ebook Central. 

The EBSCOhost ebooks download link looks like this:

The EBSCOhost ebooks download link looks like this

The Ebook Central ebooks download link looks like this:

The Ebook Central ebooks download link looks like this

Get Adobe Digital Editions

Before you use EBSCOhost or EBook Central, you will need to download Adobe Digital Editions onto your own computer.

Download Adobe Digital Editions

Restrictions on installation and authorisation

Massey Library and Massey computer lab computers will not let you install or authorise Adobe Digital Editions.

In these shared computer environments, follow the instructions to download the ebook .acsm file, but do not open it.

Instead, email the .acsm file to yourself or save it to your:

  • personal directory (H: drive)
  • OneDrive, or
  • USB stick.

Other public computers may also not allow you to install software like Adobe Digital Editions.

EBSCOhost download instructions

1, Download Adobe Digital Editions

If you have not already done so, download Adobe Digital Editions.

2, Authorise your computer

If you have not used Adobe Digital Editions on your computer before, you need to authorise your computer to read the ebook content:

  1. open Adobe Digital Editions
  2. click Help
  3. select Authorize Computer

In the window that opens, tick the box in the lower left corner that reads I want to authorize my computer without an ID. Click Authorize.

3, Search Discover

Search Discover to find the EBSCOhost ebook you want to download. In the detailed record, click on Full Download.

Go to Discover

4, Identify checkout period and format

In the window that opens:

  • select a checkout period of up to seven days
  • tick PDF for the format.

5, Identify download preference

  1. Tick the box next to I have Adobe Digital Editions or equivalent installed.
  2. Click the Full Download button.
  3. Click the Close button.

6, Open Adobe Digital Editions

Minimise your browser window and open Adobe Digital Editions.

7, View your ebook

Under Bookshelves on the left, make sure All Items is selected. The new ebook should appear in the window on the right.

Some EBSCOhost ebooks are restricted to one user at a time. If the user limit is reached, you will see a message like this: “Sorry, this title is not available for download. Please view the title online.”

You can download up to 50 EBSCOhost ebooks at a time.

Learn about other EBSCOhost ebook features

Ebook Central download instructions

1

To find the Ebook Central book you want to download, search Discover. Click on Ebook Central under Status.

2

On the book's home page, click the Download Book button.

3

In the window that opens, select:

  • the device you are using
  • whether you are using your own computer or a public computer.

Click on Continue.

4

If you have not already done so, download Adobe Digital Editions.

  • Click Get Adobe Digital Editions and follow the directions.
  • If you already have Adobe Digital Editions, click Done with this step.

5

From the Loan Length dropdown menu, select the number of days you would like to keep the ebook.

6

Click Download.

7

Minimise your browser window and open Adobe Digital Editions.

8

If you have not used Adobe Digital Editions on your computer before, you need to authorise your computer to read the ebook content.

  1. Open Adobe Digital Editions, click Help, and select Authorize Computer.
  2. In the window that opens, tick the box in the lower left corner that reads I want to authorize my computer without an ID.
  3. Click Authorize.

9

Under Bookshelves on the left, make sure All Items is selected. The new ebook should appear in the window on the right.

You can download an unlimited number of Ebook Central ebooks at one time.

However, some Ebook Central ebooks have a limit on how many people can use them at once. Reading the book online counts as one use. Downloading the book also counts as one use.

To make the book available for others, close your browser window when you’re finished reading, or download the book only for the length of time you will need it.

Using your downloaded ebook

Depending on the publisher, you may be able to do things like:

  • renew an ebook
  • annotate or take notes
  • highlight text
  • copy and paste text.

Many ebook platforms will also help you to reference (cite) a particular ebook. Massey Library provides ebooks from many publishers, and using many different software platforms. If you want more information about an ebook on another platform, please contact us.

Troubleshooting

If your ebook does not show in Adobe Digital Editions, these steps may help.

1

Check that you have authorised your computer to read protected content (see step 2 for EBSCOhost or step 8 for Ebook Central).

2

Click File, then Add to Library.

3

Navigate to your Downloads folder and find the .acsm file.

4

Click Open.

Ask a librarian

We're here to help you find the resources you need for your study. Ask a librarian by email, over the phone, or at a service point in any campus library.

Auckland campus library

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Postal address
Library
Private Bag 102904
North Shore Mail Centre
Auckland 0745

Physical address
Library
Gate 1, East Precinct
Albany Expressway (SH17)
Albany
Auckland 0632

Manawatū campus library, Palmerston North

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Private Bag 11054
Palmerston North 4442

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Tennent Drive
Palmerston North 4410

Wellington campus library

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Location

Postal address
Massey University Library
Private Bag 756
Wellington 6140


Physical address

Massey University Library
Block 5
63 Wallace Street
Wellington 6021

Remote and distance contacts

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