HNU Library: eBooks: Find and Use eBooks

Library eBook FAQs

Why do I need to install Adobe Digital Editions?

Publishers utilize Adobe Digital Editions to enforce "check-out" periods for eBooks. In the same way that a print book would be due back to the library, publishers sometimes create a set loan period when eBooks can be accessed. Adobe Digital Editions enables you to download a book temporarily. When the loan period for your eBook is over it will be removed from your Adobe Digital Editions collection.

Do all eBooks require Adobe Digital Editions?

No. Only books that have temporary loan periods require the use of Adobe Digital Editions. Many eBooks will allow you to download entire books or individual chapters directly to your device without the need for Adobe Digital Editions.

Is Adobe Digital Editions free?

Yes. Adobe Digital Editions is available as a free download.

Find and Use eBooks

What is an eBook?

The term eBook is an abbreviation for electronic Book, or a book that is available online in a full text format. The Holy Names University Library's eBooks can be read on any desktop or laptop computer and on a number of smart phone/tablet devices, as well as eBook readers.

Searching for eBooks in the Library Catalog

STEP 1:

To access eBooks available through the HNU library, start by selecting the "Book" tab to begin your search!

STEP 2:

After beginning your search on the library homepage,

you will be directed to a search results page with a list of books that match your search terms.

The next step to accessing eBooks is to use the filter options:

Select "Holy Names University" under the Library filter;
Then "Full-Text" under the Content filter;
Finally, select"eBook" under the Format filter

With these three filters selected your search results list should now be limited to

eBooks available in their entirety to you through the HNU Library.

Accessing eBooks in the Library Catalog Item Record

STEP 3:

To access an individual eBook click on the link to "View eBook"

STEP 4:

Before being directed to the database where your eBook is located

you will be asked to login with your HNU credentials.

HNU Login Screen

HNU Login

username: firstname_lastname
password: ..................
*same as your @my.hnu.edu password*
[usually your 7 digit student ID# + HNU!]

Downloading eBooks to Read Off-Line

The HNU library's available eBooks are primarily accessed through our three eBook platforms:

Proquest Ebrary, EBSCO eBook Collection and JSTOR eBook Collection.

Each database has a unique interface and user experience. For both the EBSCO eBook Collection and JSTOR eBook Collection databases you can simply download the PDF directly onto your device. However, using Proquest Ebrary will require you to install Adobe Digital Editions onto your device before downloading any eBooks.

The table below illustrates how to download and read eBooks offline for each of the three databases.