Only download an ebook if you need to read it offline (when you are not connected to the internet), or if you prefer a wider range of accessibility features such as zoom, font options, or Text To Speech.
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: 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 Ebook Central ebooks download link looks like this:
EBSCOhost download instructions
1, Download and install Thorium Reader
Go to Thorium to download and install Thorium Reader.
If you are using a Massey computer lab computer, Thorium Reader will already be installed.
2, Search Discover
Search Discover to find the EBSCOhost ebook you want to download.
In the detailed record, click on the Download button.
In the Download window, click on the Full eBook tab. If there is no Full eBook tab, this means that book is unavailable for full download due to publisher licence restrictions.
3, Identify checkout period and format
In the Full eBook tab:
- if available, select a checkout period
- select PDF or EPUB.
4, Copy your Thorium Reader passphrase
- Click the Generate new passphrase button
- Click Copy
- Click the Download button; note which folder the ebook file downloads to on your computer
- Leave this window open, in case you need to copy your passphrase again
5, Open Thorium Reader
Minimise your browser window and open Thorium Reader
6, View your ebook
In Thorium Reader, click the Go to my publications button.
If you can’t see the book you downloaded, click on the Import publication button at the top right.
Navigate to the folder on your computer where you downloaded the ebook file – it will have the extension .lcpdf. Click on the file to select it, and then click Open.
7, Enter your passphrase
In Thorium Reader, click on the cover of the ebook to open it.
A window will open: This publication needs an LCP passphrase to be opened.
Place your cursor in the Passphrase box and type Ctrl + V on your keyboard. Click Open.
If you need to copy the passphrase again, go back to the Download window in your browser and click Copy in the Thorium Reader passphrase box.
You can download up to 10 EBSCOhost ebooks at a time.
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.”
Ebook Central download instructions
1, Search Discover
Search Discover to find the Ebook Central ebook you want to download.
Click Access now.
2, Download the ebook
On the book's home page, click the Download Book button. If the Download Book button is grey, the book is unavailable for full download due to publisher licence restrictions.
3, Identify the format
In the window that opens, click Download PDF or Download EPUB. Note which folder the ebook file downloads to on your computer.
PDF files can be read with any PDF reader, such as:
- Adobe Acrobat
- Thorium
- Adobe Digital Editions
- Kindle
- Bluefire Reader.
EPUB files can be read with any EPUB reader, such as:
- Thorium
- Apple iBooks
- Kindle
- Bluefire Reader
- Bibliovore.
4, View your ebook
Navigate to the folder on your computer where you downloaded the ebook file. Right click on the file, select Open with, and choose your ebook reader.
You can download up to 10 Ebook Central ebooks at a time.
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, and 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
- print parts of the book
- 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.
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
Auckland campus library
- Library@massey.ac.nz
- Free phone inside New Zealand
- Phone outside New Zealand
- Location
Postal address
Library
Private Bag 102904
North Shore Mail Centre
Auckland 0745Physical address
Library
Gate 1, East Precinct
Albany Expressway (SH17)
Albany
Auckland 0632
Manawatū campus library, Palmerston North
Manawatū campus library, Palmerston North
- Library@massey.ac.nz
- Free phone inside New Zealand
- Phone outside New Zealand
- Location
Postal address
Private Bag 11054
Palmerston North 4442Physical address
Tennent Drive
Palmerston North 4410
Wellington campus library
Wellington campus library
- Library@massey.ac.nz
- Free phone inside New Zealand
- Phone outside New Zealand
- Location
Postal address
Massey University Library
Private Bag 756
Wellington 6140
Physical address
Massey University Library
Block 5
63 Wallace Street
Wellington 6021
Online and distance contacts
Online and distance contacts
- Library@massey.ac.nz
- Free phone inside New Zealand
- Phone outside New Zealand