Q. How do I use an e-book on a mobile device?

Q: How do I use an eBook on a mobile device?

A: Most of our eBooks work on a variety of devices, including eBook readers (like the Kindle), tablets, and mobile phones. You can also read our eBooks on your desktop or laptop computer when connected to the internet.

Most of our eBook collections “loan” eBooks for download. After a specific amount of time the loan will expire (often up to three weeks).

To download and read eBooks on your mobile device (for example iOS or an Android tablet) you will need install an eReader app and you may need a free Adobe ID account.

Step 1: Sign up for an Adobe ID account

Most eBooks are protected by "Digital Rights Management" software (DRM), which limits how you can use that eBook. For example, the file you download may “expire” (be unreadable) after a set number of days. Or it might limit the number of devices where you can read the eBook.

Most of the eBook collections at Hostos use Adobe DRM to manage their eBook offerings, so you will need an Adobe ID. Sign up for an Adobe account.

Note: Some eBook collections allow you to freely download and keep parts of eBooks (like a single chapter or a specific number of pages). Also, there are a number of free eBooks that you can download without an Adobe account (these are generally available for free on the web– Project Gutenberg is a notable example).

Step 2: Download eBook reading software

You will need to decide which app makes sense based on the type of device you are using:

• Many eBooks work well with Adobe Digital Editions (free, works on computers and mobile devices)
• Bluefire Reader (free, works on iOS and Android phones and tablets)
• Calibre (free, works on desktop and laptop computers)
• You can also quickly search your app store for any new readers, as new apps are developed all the time.

As you install the app on your device, you may be asked to enter your Adobe ID. Sometimes, you will need to find the settings screen in the app and enter the information yourself.

Step 3: Find and download an eBook (using Hostos Library collections)

Here is a list of places to search when you want eBooks.

Here is a slide show with step-by-step instructions for downloading an eBook from one the Hostos Library's biggest eBook collections.