To view previously saved PDF annotations and/or fixed page numbers, you need to switch from the EPUB file format to PDF format from within the ProQuest online eBook viewer. Here are instructions to do that:
1. Open your desired eBook. You can open your desired eBook from your ProQuest bookshelf or directly through the library catalog by clicking "view eBook" and "read online."
2. Once viewing an EPUB file in the online reader, click the "book details icon" towards the upper right corner (left-most icon).
3. From there click "switch to PDF."
4. You should now be able to use the left-side menu to select the 'star' annotations icon. All of your previously saved annotations should be located in this section. You will also be able to scroll through the entire document with page numbers.
Please note: It is possible that not every title on ProQuest has both PDF and EPUB files available. If there is no 'switch to PDF/EPUB' button displayed within the book details icon, it means there is no alternate file format to display. Please see the link below on citing eBooks without fixed page numbers.
What's the difference between PDF and EPUB?
There are two main types of eBook file formats, PDF and EPUB. You may be more familiar with PDF as this is the standard format for use on laptops and desktops, and it includes fixed page numbers. EPUB does not include fixed page numbers, but it is a more visually flexible format best suited for mobile devices that allows for enhanced accessibility features and internal hyperlinking.
Why did this change happen?
Due to updated accessibility standards, ProQuest recently made the decision to display online eBooks in the EPUB file format by default. They also are asking publishers who did not previously provide EPUB files to upload them.
If you previously annotated a PDF format eBook within your ProQuest account, that PDF eBook would have been replaced in the default view with the EPUB version (that is not annotated). By reverting to the older PDF version, you should be able to see your annotations again. The PDF version is also preferable when citing due to the fixed nature of the page numbers in PDF display.
You can review our advanced eBook tutorial covering EBSCO eBooks for a demonstration of the distinct functionality between PDF and EPUB eBooks.