Frequently Asked Questions About E-books

What is an eBook?

  • eBooks are digital, downloadable versions of books. In most cases they look exactly like the print version, so you will see all the same graphs, charts, and drawings.
  • You can download and read eBooks on your desktop, laptop, and/or a variety of mobile devices with an e-reader application.

 

What e-reading software should I use?

  • Adobe Digital Editions, a free application from Adobe, is needed to read eBooks purchased from our distribution partner, UNC Press. You will not be able to read your eBook with Adobe Acrobat.

 

What devices support Adobe Digital Editions?

  • Adobe Digital Editions can be installed on most Windows and Apple computers.
  • It can also be installed on Apple iPhones and iPads as well as smartphones and tablets running the Android operating system.
  • A full list of eReader devices on which Adobe Digital Editions can be installed can be found here.

 

Do eBooks “expire” or “time out”?

  • Your eBook will not expire. Once you have downloaded it to your device, it is stored in your Adobe Digital Editions library and will remain there until you choose to delete it.

 

Do I have to pay shipping, handling, or taxes on the UNC School of Government’s eBooks?

  • When you purchase an eBook through UNC Press there is no shipping and handling charges. Sales tax will be based on your credit card billing address.

 

Can I return an eBook purchase?

  • Unfortunately, eBooks are not returnable.

 

How do I download my eBook from UNC Press?

  • Once your purchase is complete the shopping cart will provide a link for you to use to download your eBook.
  • The link will also appear in the Order Confirmation email sent to you by UNC Press on the completion of your order.

 

How many times may I download my eBook?

  • Adobe allows for an eBook to be downloaded to up to six different devices. You may use these downloads to download your eBook to different devices or to a new, updated device.
  • Each installation of Adobe Digital Editions must be authorized with the same AdobeID you first used to download your book. If you fail to Authorize Adobe Digital Editions with an AdobeID or if you try to use a different AdobeID, your eBook will not open on a second device. 
  • If you need an additional download, contact Longleaf Services' IT Manager, Tom Franklin via email or by phone at 919.962.4196.

 

How do I download my eBook again or download it to another device?

  • The easiest way to do this is to go back to the Order Confirmation email that was sent to you by UNC Press. In that confirmation message you can find the download link for your eBook.
  • The download link is also in your UNC Press shopping cart profile.

 

How do I install my eBook on my NOOK_ eReader?

  • Barnes and Noble, the makers of the NOOK_ eReader have detailed instructions for working with Adobe Digital Editions files here.

 

Can I share my eBook?

  • eBooks are only licensed for use by one individual and cannot be shared.

 

What is DRM, and how will it affect my eBook ownership?

  • You may see Digital Rights Management (DRM) in your eBook Terms of Use, located in the front of your eBook. DRM places the purchaser’s account name and email address in the eBook file. This system ensures that a specific copy of a eBook is licensed to one individual and that individual alone uses it. In this way, copyright laws are respected and authors and publishers are compensated fairly.

 

Can I print my eBook?

  • Unfortunately, no.  eBooks cannot be printed out after purchase.

 

Why do I need to authorize my computer with my Adobe ID?

  • Our eBooks carry digital protection via Adobe and are read on e-readers that support Adobe Digital Rights Management (DRM). You need an Adobe user account to read our eBooks. Consult the Adobe website if you have questions about using the software.
  • When you install the application, Adobe will prompt you to complete their simple and quick registration process. If you do not receive a prompt, go to Help >> Authorize Computer (Mac and PC) to key in your username and password.

 

Can I read my eBook on an Amazon Kindle eReader?

 

Will I be able to view my eBooks offline?

  • Yes. You just need to download your eBook to your PC, laptop or mobile device. Once the book is downloaded onto your device, you can read it offline.