ProQuest Ebook Central offers titles from many publishers in many subject areas. Ebook Central books include

• individual books owned by the Libraries; these may be licensed for 1, 3, or more simultaneous users
• subscription collections leased by the Libraries; these titles may change every year.
• subscription collections funded by the statewide Traveler project.

Learn more from the  ProQuest Ebook Central Research Guide.

Where can I find them?

Use OneSearch.

How many simultaneous users?

Titles are licensed for 1, 3, or unlimited users.

Do I need a special account?

When you connect to Ebook Central from on-campus or off through our OpenAthens service, an Ebook Central account is automatically created for you. Your Ebook Central account allows you to checkout and save items to a personal bookshelf.

Are there download or print limits?

Individual chapters may usually be downloaded in PDF format. The typical print allowance for most titles is 40% of the book. This varies by book and is determined by the publisher.

Can I read offline?

Most books can be "checked out" and read offline for a limited time, usually between 1 and 21 days. You cannot download an entire book indefinitely.

Is special software needed?

For reading offline (checking out entire books for a limited period) you will need either

• For desktops,  Adobe Digital Editions, a free program that is different than Adobe Reader.
  OR

• For iOS and Android devices, Bluefire Reader, which is free from the App Store and Google Play. You need to create a free Adobe ID to use Bluefire Reader.

How long may I check a book out to read offline?

Single user books generally check out for just 1 day. Multi-user books are set to allow you the option of choosing from 1, 7, or more days

Where can I find them?

Use OneSearch.

How many simultaneous users?

Titles are licensed for 1, 3, or unlimited users.

Do I need a special account?

When you connect to Ebook Central from on-campus or off through our OpenAthens service, an Ebook Central account is automatically created for you. Your Ebook Central account allows you to checkout and save items to a personal bookshelf.

Are there download or print limits?

Individual chapters may usually be downloaded in PDF format. The typical print allowance for most titles is 40% of the book. This varies by book and is determined by the publisher.

Can I read offline?

Most books can be "checked out" and read offline for a limited time, usually between 1 and 21 days. You cannot download an entire book indefinitely.

Is special software needed?

For reading offline (checking out entire books for a limited period) you will need the new Ebook Central Reader App which replaces Adobe Digital Editions. The first time you check out a book after December 15, 2025, you will be prompted to download the new app, which is available in desktop, iOS, and Android operating systems.  

How long may I check a book out to read offline?

Single user books generally check out for just 1 day. Multi-user books are set to allow you the option of choosing from 1, 7, or sometimes more days

Navigate an Ebook Central detailed record to see:

1. How many copies are available to U of A users, usually 1, 3, or unlimited.
2. If you can check out the whole book and for how long.
3. Tools to
   • read the book online
   • download portions
   • save it to a personal "bookshelf" after logging in
   • share a link to the book
   • Cite the book in MLA, APA, or other formats, or export to Zotero, EndNote Basic, or other citation managers

Read Online Tools include

1. Book controls for bookmarks, chapter navigation, search, text size, and a new feature, an AI-driven Research Assistant.  
2. The sidebar will open to the control you have chosen.  The Research Assistant offers book and chapter summaries and key takeaways.  
3. Page controls at the bottom of the page allow you to page through the book, copy or print sections, or format a citation. 

1. The Copy icon allow you to copy the text on a page to your clipboard.
2. The Print to PDF icon will allow you to print multiple pages at once as a PDF, along with a formatted citation in APA, MLA, and other styles. The number of pages you can print at one time is determined by the publisher.
3. The Full Download option will walk you through the steps to download a full book to your device for a limited time.   
   1. After you initiate a full book download, you will be prompted to download the Ebook Central Reader App.  This is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android operating systems.  
   2. Once you install the Ebook Central App, you will be prompted to enter a 6-digit code to pair your device to your account.  

Options for downloading, printing, and copying will vary by book, as the publishers determine your options and permissions.

If a title is only available for one user at a time, course instructors may request additional copies. Consult our course reserves information for instructors for information on how to request that items be placed on reserve for your class.
 

See the ProQuest Ebook Central Research Guide for a comprehensive guide to the service and access to video tutorials.