When selecting readings from ebooks, it is important to consider the suitability of an individual ebook licence before adding it to your reading list. Ebook access conditions vary according to publisher specifications. Publishers may, for example:
- restrict access by limiting the number of simultaneous users,
- place limits on printing, copying, and downloads, or
- remove a title from our subscription, preventing us from purchasing the title and providing perpetual access.
Titles in ebook databases are available in one of the following “Access Models.” The access model determines how the ebook is made available to patrons:
- 1-user access model: One person can access the ebook at a time. Chapter download is usually available, even if the full download is disabled.
- 3-user access model: The 3-user access model restricts access to three concurrent users.
- Unlimited access model: This access model allows titles to be available on an unlimited access basis. Any number of patrons can access unlimited titles concurrently for any number of days per year, in accordance with the download options set by the library.
Before adding an ebook to your reading list:
- Check the number of users who can access it simultaneously.
- Investigate download and printing limits - the amount you can print & copy varies between publishers.
How to check the ebook access limits:
Find the book in the ebook database, and on the main ebook page, find the "Availability" information:
How do I share a reading from an ebook?
Even though the statutory licence (section 113P) of the Copyright Act allows up to 10% or one chapter of a book to be digitised, ebooks are subject to their own rules for copying and sharing in teaching. These rules vary by publisher and override the Statutory Education Licence. Because linking directly to an ebook does not create a copy of the work, it is the preferred method for sharing excerpts from ebooks.
Please refer to the guides below for instructions on creating a reading from an ebook:
- SAE Library Linking Guide with information on how to create links that permit access to ebooks both on and off-campus.
- Course Readings Guide with information on how to add a reading to your unit reading list.
If you need help with determining the access limits of your selected ebook, please get in touch with the Library.