Yes, many eBooks in the FGCU Library can be downloaded in part (PDF chapters) or in full (PDF, ePUB) to be viewed offline. When you find an eBook you want to read, the downloading options are usually presented to you within the information page for that book in EBSCO, Proquest, or other eBook platform.
Example of an “availability and permissions” message on an eBook:
Some books, like JSTOR and Springer, can just be downloaded as PDFs (sometimes chapter by chapter).
Remember that you can simply view eBooks online without downloading, if you don’t want an offline option.
Some platforms like ProQuest Ebook Central and EBSCO require a reader or app download and free account to download a book. These books will be checked out and will expire after 2-14 days.
EBSCO Ebooks can be downloaded on a mobile device using the EBSCO Mobile App (free EBSCO account creation required).
To download books to a computer from a provider like EBSCO or ProQuest eBook Central, follow these steps:
- Create an Adobe account (click here to create an account, click here for existing Adobe Members)
- Download a reader for your book:
- Download Adobe Digital Editions to download to a computer (PC/Mac). This app is available on library computers from SoftwareCenter or AppsAnywhere.
- Download Adobe Digital Editions app for Apple or Android devices.
- Authenticate/activate reader with your Adobe ID.
- Once you have done the proceeding 3 steps, you will be ready to download full books from most eBook providers. An eBook provider may also ask you to log-in or create a unique user account in their platform to track your checkouts.
- EBSCO will ask you to create MyEBSCOhost account to download books.
- Follow the on-screen instructions for downloading in each provider platform.
These instructions should work for most eBooks that allow full downloads and for most devices. If you are trying to download an eBook onto a device that does not have wireless internet capability or otherwise does not work with the instructions given, please refer to the help documents for each eBook platform or contact a librarian for help
