Users with iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, etc) and Android devices (Galaxy Tab, Google Nexus, ASUS Transformer) who want to read E-books offline should follow these steps:
Windows 8 RT and Kindle devices cannot install Adobe Digital Editions and the Bluefire Reader and thus cannot download E-books that require that software (EBL, Ebrary, EBSCO, etc.).
Note: "Downloading" in the chart below refers to downloading an E-book to read off line. All E-books below can be read while online through the mobile web interface.
This matrix is intended for librarians helping UW patrons with e-book access questions and concerns. Where possible, the Platform column links to the user guide.
| Platform | Available for | Multiple users | Downloads | Offline reading | Usage limits | Returns | Printing | e-reader software | Course reserves |
| ClinicalKey | All users (walk-ins OK)* |
Yes | Allowed | No additional software required | None | Not required | Requires individual user account registration | None | Yes |
| EBSCOhost | All users (walk-ins OK) |
Depends on Title: |
Usually allowed | Whole book download/offline reading requires Adobe Digital Editions*; single chapter downloads do not |
Checkout / download limits apply; but if session is closed & reopened, the single chapter download limit count resets. Default checkout/loan period: 1 day |
Not required | 100 pages maximum; varies by publisher | Bluefire Reader or Adobe Digital Editions for iOS, Android, Kindle Fire (More Kindle Fire info here) | No, but Canvas link OK |
| JSTOR | All users (walk-ins OK) |
Yes | Allowed | No additional software required | None | Not required | No restrictions | Web browser & PDF viewer only | Yes |
| Knovel | All users (walk-ins OK) |
Yes | Allowed | Knovel ToGo | None | Not required | Restricted to 20% | Web browser & PDF viewer only | No, but Canvas link OK |
| Overdrive | All users (walk-ins OK) |
Depends on title | Allowed | Libby app | Checkout / download limits apply | Not required | No printing | Web browser & Libby app | No |
| Project Muse | All users (walk-ins OK) |
Yes | Allowed | No additional software required | None | Not required | No restrictions | Web browser & PDF viewer only | Yes |
|
(combined former EBL/ebrary platform) |
All users (walk-ins OK for online reading only) |
Depends on title: • 1 user |
Usually allowed |
Usually Allowed Whole book download/offline reading requires Adobe Digital Editions*; single chapter downloads do not |
Checkout / download limits apply; but after 24 hours, the single chapter download limit count resets. Default checkout/loan period: 1 day |
Not required |
Usually Allowed; Restricted to 20-40% of each book during a 24 hour period, then count resets |
Bluefire Reader or Adobe Digital Editions for iOS, Android, Kindle Fire (More Kindle Fire info here) | No, but Canvas link OK |
| Safari/O'Reilly | Current UW Only | Yes | Allowed only via the O’Reilly app | Allowed only via the O’Reilly app | None | Not required | Single pages only | O'Reilly app for IOS, Android | No, but Canvas link OK |
| Springer | All users (walk-ins OK) |
Yes | Allowed | No additional software required | None | Not required | No restrictions | SpringerLink app for iOS, Android | Yes |
| Taylor & Francis | All users (walk-ins OK) |
Yes | Allowed | No additional software required | None | Not required | No restrictions | Web browser & PDF viewer | No, but Canvas link OK |
| Wiley | All users (walk-ins OK) |
Yes | Allowed | No additional software required | None | Not required | No restrictions | Web browser & PDF viewer | Yes |
* Walk-in users are those without a current UW i.d. who can access eBook resources from the public terminals only. No remote access.