Find eBooks in Library Search
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way to find eBooks is through Library Search.
You can do an Advanced Search for the title, subject or author of your book. Limit your search to Books, that are Full text online
If you can't find your eBook in Library Search,
Why aren't all eBooks the same?
We purchase eBooks from many different publishers and platforms and each eBook collection has different features.
It means the way you access, read, print and download an eBook will differ depending on who has supplied that particular eBook.
You will be able to Borrow and download the complete text of some eBooks for a specific number of days (like borrowing a physical book). Common loan lengths include 3 days, 7 days or 2 weeks
Once you download it, you can access the book without being connected to the internet. Often additional software, such as Adobe Digital Editions, is required to read these eBooks on your device.
You can ‘return’ your eBook at any time. Once your loan term has expired, the eBook will be automatically removed from your device.
If you can’t read the eBook online it may be because all 'copies' of the book are currently being used. If this is the case, you simply need to try again later. Once someone else exits the book, it will become available again.
If you can open the book online, but can’t ‘borrow’ or download it, this may be due to limitations imposed by the publisher. Some eBooks can only be read online.
If you are still unsure why you can’t open your eBook, contact us for assistance.
*Please ensure you exit the eBook and close the tab when you finish using it. This frees up the eBook for other users.
What software do I need to read an eBook?
You can read most eBooks online in your browser.
If you download the eBook, additional software is usually required. The most common eBook reader used by our eBook databases is
Both of these programs are free to download and use.
What is Adobe Digital Editions?
Adobe Digital Editions is a free eBook Reader for use on laptops and desktops. If you are borrowing or downloading eBooks from the library you will need this software installed on your computer.
When opening a borrowed eBook for the first time on your device, you will be asked to log in using an Adobe ID. If you do not have an Adobe ID, you can skip this step by selecting the I want to authorise my computer without an ID option. You only need to create an account if you would like to read the same book across multiple devices.
How much of an eBook can I print or copy?
Unlike print books there is no universal rule for how much of an eBook can be printed or copied. Different publishers allow you to copy or print different amounts. Some databases provide this information with the eBook.
Alternatively, if you have borrowed the eBook and have it open in Adobe Digital Editions, you can check the print and copy limitations by right clicking on the book and choosing Item Info.
The Academic Skills Office referencing guides provide guidance and examples of how to cite eBooks according to your required UNE referencing style.
Due to limitations placed by publishers to prevent unauthorized copying, some eBooks are not accessible unless you borrow or download them onto your computer.
Once on your computer, Adobe Digital Editions (ADE Accessibility) can be used with various screen readers, including JAWS, NVDA, or Window-Eyes on Windows and VoiceOver on Mac. Version 3.0 and above, support:
Why isn't my textbook available as an eBook?
We purchase textbooks as eBooks wherever possible.
Not all textbooks are available as eBooks.
Sometimes a textbook will be made available to students as an eBook, but not to libraries. This is due to the eBook licence restrictions imposed by publishers. For example, Amazon eBooks can only be purchased and used by a single individual.
Where we cannot purchase your textbook as an eBook, we purchase hardcopies. You can borrow or request a copy of an individual chapter of these books even if you are not on campus.
Discover subject specific eBooks and eBook databases in your Subject Guides.
Try the eBook or Databases pages within your chosen guide.
Key eBook databases
The University of New England respects and acknowledges that its
people, courses and facilities are built on land, and surrounded by a
sense of belonging, both ancient and contemporary, of the world's oldest
living culture. In doing so, UNE values and respects Indigenous
knowledge systems as a vital part of the knowledge capital of Australia.
We recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of the Aboriginal
community and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future.