Why choose eTextbooks over physical textbooks?
Some of the reasons that students choose eTextbooks include:
- Instant access – download or access online right away
- Less weight to lug around – your shoulders will thank you
- Enhanced features – built-in highlighting, note-taking, search, and more
- Reduced price – up to 60% less than new print books
- Environmental sustainability – eTextbooks don’t consume paper
What reader software do I need to access or read my eTextbook?
The reader software you need depends on the format of the eTextbook you purchased. Before purchasing, go to the product page and view the reader information under the eTextbooks tab. Also, after your order is processed, we’ll email you instructions on how to download your free reader software.
How do I access my eTextbook?
Once you’ve purchased an eTextbook, we will send you a confirmation email that will contain a link to access your book (note: email can take up to 30 minutes to arrive). Or, from the Textbooks.com home page, log in to My Account and go to your Digital Bookshelf.
Do eTextbooks expire?
Expiration rules vary by publisher. Before purchasing an eTextbook, you can find out more information by going to the product page and view the expiration information under the eTextbooks tab. For eTextbooks you have already purchased, log into your account and click on your Digital Bookshelf to view the digital rights.
What are the different license or digital rights types?
Most books will have one of the following licensing types:
- For 90 days, starting with the day of purchase
- For 1 year, starting with the day of purchase
- A perpetual license, with no expiration date
- For a predefined absolute number of days until the end date
- For a set number of days from the registration
Your eTextbook purchased from us has a perpetual license, with no expiration date. That means it is yours to keep forever! For eTextbooks you have already purchased, log into your account and click on your Digital Bookshelf to view the digital rights.
What is Digital Rights Management (DRM)?
Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a set of restrictions determined by the publisher. DRM defines limitations, for example, on how much text you can copy, how many pages you can print, how many highlights you can export, and how many times you can download a book. The terms of your book license are also defined by the DRM.
The DRM information, which includes license and expiration information, can be viewed on the product page or in your Digital Bookshelf under “View Digital Rights.”
When a license expires, will my notes be retained? Can I access them after expiration?
Your notes will be accessible, because your book will never expire. It is yours to keep forever. Highlights and bookmarks will not be saved.
Can I print from my eTextbook?
Yes. But printing rules vary by publisher. Before purchasing an eTextbook, you can find out more information by going to the product page, clicking on “View Digital Rights,” and look for “Printing” details. For eTextbooks you have already purchased, log into your account and click on your Digital Bookshelf to view the digital rights.
Can I share my eTextbook with my classmates?
No. eTextbooks are designed as a one-time download/limited-term access for a single user or laptop/mobile device. There are Encoded Digital Rights Management rules in place that disallow sharing eTextbooks. You can view limits by going to the product page and clicking on “View Digital Rights.”
Can I make a back-up copy of my eTextbook, in case my computer crashes?
For eTextbooks, you may store back-ups on removable media (CD or DVD) or copy it to an external drive. In the event of a computer crash, you may reinstall your eTextbook on the same computer from which it was originally accessed.