Ebooks at Pfau Library: Intro

How ebooks from Pfau Library work, including download options.

Ebook Database Quick List

Ebook Central This link opens in a new window
More than 150,000 ebooks for CSUSB users. No special software required! Read online, or download limited portions as PDF files.
JSTOR This link opens in a new window
Access to a wide variety of scholarly journals, plus ebooks from university presses.
EBSCOhost eBook Collection This link opens in a new window
Small collection of titles purchased for CSUSB users.
ACLS Humanities Ebooks This link opens in a new window
Ebooks in the humanities and social sciences, many of which are classics in their field, from American Council of Learned Societies.
O’Reilly Online Learning E-books (formerly Safari Tech Books) This link opens in a new window
Ebooks as well as training videos and "learning paths." Focuses on computer sciences, but also covers business. Unlimited number of users. You will always be asked to login via MyCoyote, both on and off campus.

Printable Handout

Using E-books

Ebooks FAQ

Does Pfau Library have ebooks?

Yes, more than 200,000.

How do I find them?

All of our ebooks are included in OneSearch; make sure you search in "Books & Media (CSUSB)."

What kinds of books are they?

Books for research and study in a wide variety of subjects taught at the university. Sorry, no bestsellers or popular fiction!

Do I need a special device to read them?

No. They are designed to be easily readable in any Web browser.

Can I download the whole book to my ebook reader?

In a few cases, but we don't recommend it, because it doesn't work like Kindle or other retail ebooks. It depends on (1) whether the provider of the ebook allows downloads, and (2) your technology comfort level. Generally, the downloadable books are in EPUB format and must first go to a computer with Adobe Digital Editions software installed and authorized, then be transferred from your computer to your ebook device.

Can I save part of the book as a PDF?

Most of our ebooks let you download a limited portion of the book as a PDF file to keep. It's easy to download a chapter at a time, but you probably won't be able to do the entire book this way--there's usually a page limit to how much you can download.

Are there limits on how many people can use an ebook?

Depends on the book! Most of our books allow for unlimited use. However, some ebook licenses allow only a limited number of people to use the book at the same time; usually 1 or 3. Sorry, but user limits are most common on textbooks! If there's a limit, you'll see it noted in the OneSearch record for the book.