Q. How do I read e-books?

SLU has several suppliers of e-books, and usage might vary.

Normally, it is only possible to read and download e-books if you are connected to the SLU network. If you are not on campus, you need to use VPN: 

• https://student.slu.se/en/study-support/it-support/support/access-to-databases-requires-vpn/

All e-books can be read online. Some e-books are also available in PDF format and can be downloaded without logging in, either as single chapters or as complete books.

Create an account on EBSCO eBooks and Ebook Central

E-books available on EBSCO eBooks or Ebook Central are under DRM protection. You need to create an account on the site before you can download books from the platform, by registering an email address and a password. You need to be connected to SLU network in order to create the account, either though Wi-fi on campus, or VPN if you are off campus.

Accessing DRM-protected e-books

Most e-books are protected by digital rights management (DRM) software. To download and read these books, you need to use specific software.

On a computer

You need to go through the following steps the first time you want to download a DRM-protected e-book:

1. Install the program Adobe Digital Editions. You can download it here:

• Adobe Digital Editions

2. Create an Adobe ID, if you don’t already have one:

• Create an Adobe account

3. Make sure you are connected to SLU’s network, either on campus or via VPN.

4. Search for the e-book in Primo and click on “Full text available.”

5. Choose to download the book. A link file (.ascm) will then be downloaded, which can be opened with Adobe Digital Editions.

6. The first time you open an e-book with Adobe Digital Editions, you need to authorise your computer with your Adobe ID.

If the downloaded link file does not open automatically, you can choose to open it with the program. The e-book will be downloaded and placed in your bookshelf. There, you can see how long it will be available for use. When the loan period has expired, the e-book remains in your bookshelf but cannot be opened. You can go to Primo and download it again if you want to have the book for a longer time.

You only need to use Adobe ID to authorise the program or app the first time you want to download an e-book with DRM protection. Once it is done, the authorisation remains.

On a mobile device/tablet

You need to go through the following steps the first time you want to download a DRM-protected e-book:

1. Create an Adobe ID, if you don’t already have one:

• Create an Adobe account

2. Install an app that can be used to read e-books. Most providers recommend the app Adobe Digital Editions. Authorise the app with your Adobe ID. You only need to use your Adobe ID to authorise the app the first time you download a DRM-protected e-book. Once it is done, the authorisation will remain.

3. Make sure you are connected to SLU’s network, either on campus or via VPN.

4. Search for the e-book in Primo and click on “Full text available.”

5. Choose to download the book. A link file (.ascm) will then be downloaded, which can be opened in the app.

If the downloaded link file does not open automatically, choose to open it with the app. The e-book will be downloaded and placed in your bookshelf. There, you can see how long it will be available. When the loan period has expired, the e-book remains in your bookshelf but cannot be opened. You can go to Primo and download it again if you want to have the book for a longer time.