Skip to Main Content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

e-books @ MSU: Home

This guide is designed to give users information about accessing and downloading e-books provided by the University Libraries.

What are e-books?

What is an E-book?

 An e-book is an electronic version of a traditional print book that can be read by using a personal computer or by using an e-book reader.

What are some of the benefits of e-books?

E-books offer many benefits over traditional printed materials. They usually cost less to purchase and maintain then print books, allowing libraries to provide more content to patrons within the same budget. E-books do not take up shelf space allowing libraries to offer far more content then would be possible with print books. In most cases e-books are searchable and printable allowing users to find and manipulate the data not possible with printed materials. 

What does University Libraries offer in regards to e-books?

University Libraries has access to millions of online documents including thousands of books from vendors such as: Ebsco, ebrary, Springer e-books, NetLibrary and many more. The following pages will give you more information on how to find and access University Libraries' extensive collection of e-books. 

Read online or download?

Read online is best if:

You are working on your desktop computer. 

Look for the "Read Online" or "eBook Full Text" links. Also, most eBook providers allow you to take notes online, and will store your notes if you have an account with them.

Download is best if:

You want to read the eBook on your mobile device or tablet.

Bluefire Reader, the recommended reading app for downloaded eBooks, allows you to take notes and export them* when you are done with the eBook.

*Make sure to export your annotations before the checkout period expires.*

While you can download an eBook to your desktop computer and read it within Adobe Digital Editions, it does not permanently store your notes.  Once the checkout period for the eBook expires, any notes you took within Adobe Digital Editions will disappear. 

Before you download:

Make sure you have personal accounts setup with our major e-book providers:

  • EBL:  You are set! Your account is tied to your MSU network login – no need to create an account.

What device are you using?

  • Apple and Android

  • eReaders

    • Get an Adobe ID

    • Download Adobe Digital Editions to your computer

    • Authorize Adobe Digital Editions with your Adobe ID

    • Authorize eReader with Adobe ID

    • Connect eReader to computer

    • Launch Adobe Digital Editions on your computer

    • Adobe Digital Editions should prompt you to authorize your eReader with your Adobe ID

  • Kindle - Downloading is not an option

    • Can send PDF pages to your Kindle reader - see the Kindle tab

Downloading e-books - Pick your Device

iOS logo                                                                       Android logo

 

 

 

Apple devices (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch)                                                                                                                 Android devices

 

Kindle readers and Kindle Fire                                                                                                                                   Portable Devices

Amazon Kindle logo                                                    Ereaders

Subject Guide

Profile Photo
Candee Rose
Contact:
224 Waterfield Library

Murray, KY 42071

270-809-2187