Young Americans Virtual Library: Mobile Apps &amp; eReaders: eReaders

Downloading and Reading eBooks

Browser Based Access

Many ebooks can be read on a computer or mobile device through a web browser.

If the ebook chapters download as PDFs and the publisher does not use DRM (digital rights management) software, then you should be able to download them to your computer or mobile device as you would with any PDFs, to read, organize and annotate as you choose.

DRM Enabled Access

If the ebooks are DRM-enabled such as those in ProQuest Ebook Central and EBSCO eBook Collection you will need:

Bluefire App
Adobe Digital Editions 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 Bluefire app.

Steps to Enable DRM Access Via Bluefire App

1. Install Bluefire Reader App

Download the Bluefire Reader App from your device's app store:
Google Play: Android Phones and Tablets
iTunes App Store: Apple iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch
Kindle Fire App Store: Kindle Fire TabletsTap Authorize

2. Create an Adobe ID

If you have previously created an Adobe ID to download and read eBooks with Adobe Digital Editions on your desktop computer, you already have an Adobe ID you can use to authorize the Bluefire app
Create an Adobe ID at the following link (see below)
If you forgot your Adobe ID password, see below

3. Authorize the Bluefire app with your Adobe ID

Please note: You will only need to authorize the BlueFire app with your Adobe ID once. After this has been done, you will only need to tap Download any time you wish to download and read an eBook on your device.

To Authorize the App:

Open the Bluefire app from your device's applications menu
Enter your Adobe ID and password in the fields provided.
Tap Authorize