Instructions
eBooks can be downloaded to your mobile device and read with the free Adobe Digital Editions app.
You will need the following:
- Adobe Digital Editions App (Installed on your Apple or Android Device)
- An Adobe ID
Note for Apple Device Users: Pop-ups must be allowed in the settings for the Safari web browser as the downloaded eBook file opens in a new tab before opening in the Adobe Digital Editions app.
Install Adobe Digital Editions App
Download the Adobe Digital Editions App from your device's app store:
- Google Play: Android Phones and Tablets
- iTunes App Store: Apple iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch
- Kindle App Store: Overdrive app for Kindle Fire Tablets
Note: The Overdrive app is recommended for Kindle Fire tablet and Chromebook users. Adobe Digital Editions is not supported by Chromebook OS.
Finding an eBook to Download
Using your mobile device, select an eBook database to search using the "eBook Databases" tab of this guide, or use the library's catalog to find an eBook that you would like to download. You will be prompted to enter your MyNOVA username and password before viewing the eBook.
Once you have located an eBook that you would like to download, select either "PDF Full-Text" or "EPUB Full-Text" depending on what is available. Once the eBook is opened within your browser, select "Full Download" at the top right of the interface.
Download and Checkout Options - DRM Free Downloads
If the eBook you have selected allows DRM Free downloads, the "Download eBook" box that appears will look like what is pictured below. Select "PDF" as the download format and click "Full Download". The PDF will begin downloading and you can view it offline with no restrictions.
Download and Checkout Options - DRM Downloads
If the eBook only allows DRM downloads, you may be prompted to log in to the database's website. For example, to download eBooks from EBSCO, you will need to create a free EBSCO account. You will only need to provide an e-mail address and password. Log in or create an account to proceed. If you are not prompted to log in, skip this step.
After Adobe Digital Editions is installed, go into Settings and Authorize the device by either entering an existing Adobe ID or by following the instructions to create a new one. *If you plan on transferring your eBooks to a PC or Mac computer, you must authorize your computer with the same Adobe ID that you use with the mobile device.
Once you have installed Adobe Digital Editions and logged in to the database website, click on the "Full Download" button on the eBook again and you will be prompted to select the number of days you wish to borrow the eBook for (maximum of 21 days), the download format (select "PDF"), and check the "I have Adobe Digital Editions or equivalent installed" box. Once that is done, click "Full Download".
Note: Your screen may look different depending on which collection your eBook comes from.
You will be presented with a .acsm file and prompted to Open in "Digital Editions".
Your eBook will now appear in your Digital Editions application for viewing. Click on the image of the eBook to open it. You should also see a number on the image showing how many days you have left until your eBook will be checked back into the library.
Returning an eBook early
You can return an eBook before the end of the borrowing period within Adobe Digitial Editions.Long-press the book you wish to return. Press Return or Return Borrowed Item. Some eBooks will not give you this option, but you can long-press the book and select the trash-can icon. If you do not return the book yourself, your book will return on its own after the checkout period has expired.