Q. How can I read library eBooks on my eReader?

Preface: Which eReaders and Mobile Devices are Compatible with Fuller eBooks?

Any eReader that supports Adobe Digital Editions, reads PDF format, and can connect with a computer via USB, should be able to access Fuller Library eBooks. This should include all major Nook, Kobo, and SONY eReader devices. Kindle eReader devices (with the exception of Kindle Fire/ Fire Tablets) are not compatible with complete eBook downloads from ProQuest or EBSCO, our two largest eBook providers. If you are considering purchasing an eReader for the purpose of reading library eBooks, we do not recommend purchasing a Kindle. Please read below for details and a (limited) work around for those who choose to use Kindles.

A. Chapter downloads in standard PDF

eBooks that are only available as direct chapter by chapter downloads to PDF (e.g. eBooks in JSTOR, Cambridge Companions, or Credo Reference) are not a problem for Kindles or any other eReader compatible with standard PDFs. You should be able to use your device's normal method for adding content to move individual PDF chapters to your device. For Kindles this is done through the "Send to Kindle" feature.

The same file transfer method can be used for chapters or passages downloaded as standard PDFs from ProQuest or EBSCO eBooks. The availability of PDF downloads from these vendors is limited and may not always be offered. See our eBook vendor restrictions FAQ for more information. 

B. Entire eBook downloads with DRM protection

The process becomes more complicated when downloading entire eBooks from vendors whose eBooks are protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM) licensing software. In Fuller's case this includes any full downloads from EBSCO or ProQuest, our two largest eBook suppliers.

In brief, DRM protected eBooks must be downloaded to a separate device, "unlocked" using particular software, and then transferred to your eReader using a USB connection. Unfortunately, this is not an option for Kindle eReaders (with the exception of the Kindle Fire/ Fire Tablet), as they do not support the necessary software.

i. Downloading your eBook from EBSCO or ProQuest

Detailed instructions for downloading eBooks from these vendors are available in our eBook download FAQ. You cannot directly download complete DRM protected eBooks onto dedicated eReaders, only laptops/desktops, and internet/app capable smart phones, and tablets.

When downloading to a laptop or desktop these vendors require free Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) software to open the DRM license protected eBooks. When downloading to a mobile device (i.e. smart phones or full app-enabled tablets) EBSCO and ProQuest require the free Bluefire Reader App. You can see mobile specific download instructions from EBSCO here. (Adjusting for ProQuest's site, the general instructions apply there as well.) 

ii. Transferring an eBook to your eReader

Once you have successfully downloaded your eBook, and opened the eBook using ADE on your laptop/desktop (be sure ADE is authorized with an Adobe ID if it is not already), you are ready to transfer the file to a compatible eReader. Unfortunately, we don't currently know of an easy way to transfer eBooks from a mobile device to your eReader as the files must be transferred directly from within their approved app (i.e. ADE or Bluefire). 

1. Using an ADE supported eReader device (including SONY, Nook, and Kobo devices), connect it via USB to your PC or Mac computer. Do this step before opening ADE, or the application won't see it.

2. Open ADE.

3. Follow the prompts to authorize your eReader device using the same Adobe ID you used to authorize ADE.

4. Your device appears on the left side in ADE.

5. Drag the eBook that you want to transfer to the picture of your device on the left.

6. The eBook is now transferred to your eReader device.

See links below for more specific eReader instructions and our eBook download FAQ: