The UConn Library provides full access to hundreds of thousands of ebooks through our catalog.
The best way to find ebooks is to search the Library's catalog.
Many library ebooks also can be searched and explored as a collection.
Please contact the UConn Bookstore for questions about textbooks (see bottom of page).
The Library will purchase ebooks in lieu of print when available. The Library already provides access to hundreds of thousands of ebooks - please check the library catalog before requesting an ebook.
Submit a request to purchase.
What type of books may not be available electronically?
How do I access my requested ebook?
How long will I have access to my ebook?
All individual ebooks are purchased in perpetuity, and you will not lose access. On rare occasions ebook vendors may change platforms, or, if it is an older ebook purchase, links may be incorrect. It is suggested that you use the catalog permalink in your course materials, and check the links before each semester. See Stable Linking to Electronic Resources.
Why do some ebooks only allow one user at a time?
Publishers determine how their ebooks can be accessed - unlimited or a limited number of simultaneous users. In most cases, when a library purchases a book directly from the publisher (Cambridge, Wiley, Springer) or from University Press platforms (JSTOR, Project Muse, DeGruyter) unlimited access is the default. Ebooks hosted on aggregated platforms, such as ProQuest and EBSCOhost, offer all access models, depending on their contracts with the publishers. The Library will attempt to purchase unlimited or 3-user access depending on cost and availability. Faculty may also request that the library purchase unlimited access to a book, lib.acquisitions@uconn.edu. The user access information is in the catalog record and noted on the ebook platform.
Many publishers refuse to sell electronic textbooks to academic libraries. These publishers include Pearson, Cengage, Elsevier, McGraw Hill, Oxford University Press, many publishers of popular fiction and nonfiction, and many health sciences publishers. In courses that have adopted textbooks by these publishers, students will not have any alternative access to the textbook content.
The UConn Library is working with instructors to explore and identify viable textbook alternatives, including:
For assistance with OERs or alternative access, please contact your subject specialist. To request an ebook purchase, complete this form.
Thanks to the University of Guelph and Grand Valley State University for their statements on this issue.
Did you know that most public libraries in Connecticut have ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines that you can download and read at home? Not to mention digital movies and TV and sometimes even music! Public libraries offer fantastic resources for recreational reading, listening, and viewing online. Most public libraries are open for visitors or offering curbside pickup.
Town residents automatically qualify to get a card for their local library. Please see each library's website for details.
Not sure how to find your town's library? Explore this listing of all public libraries in Connecticut, and contact your local public library to get started!
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