Note: If you're having problems accessing a required textbook, email ecm@apus.edu. Otherwise, read on:
Why it happens:
When the library buys an ebook, the vendor usually grants us a limited number of licenses for it. Each license is much like a copy of a physical book. So, when a reader clicks a book link from our library and begins to read the full text, they have effectively checked out a "copy" of that ebook. Occasionally, when all licenses (or copies) are being viewed, an ebook will be unavailable until someone checks it back in by closing their session.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Get on the waiting list
Ebooks on EBSCOhost: Each time someone clicks the "eBook Full Text" link to read a book, a session automatically begins, and the book will remain "checked out" (or "in use") until the session ends. If you encounter an "in use" message when trying to access a book, you may place a hold on it and be notified when it's available. You will need a free My EBSCOhost account to do this. For details of how to create one, see this helpful FAQ: How can I create a personal EBSCOhost account?
Ebook Central: You will see a “You are currently in preview mode” message. Click "OK" to opt to queue for the book (you will be notified when it is available).
- Troubleshoot
If you accessed the book successfully once, but experience problems the next time you visit it, try logging out of the session and clearing your browser's cache. Then, close your browser. Log back in with a new browser window. This may clear the session and make the ebook available for you to access once again.
- See if another vendor provides copies
It's not uncommon for us to have licenses to the same ebook from more than one vendor. Click here to see how you can tell if we have more than one copy.
- Find an alternative
If you're on a deadline, you may not have time to wait for someone to check a copy of an ebook back in. A quick way to find books on the same subject is to take a look at the subject headings listed with the book you wanted. Click the subject that seems like the best fit for what you need, and you'll be taken to a list of very similar books!
If you need help finding a book, contact the librarians!
