Reading using a different application

If you prefer to use another application to read an ebook borrowed from your library on your tablet or smartphone, you can do so. You need to download the borrowed ebook file from the web interface and then open it with your e-reading application. An Adobe ID is also required. Follow the steps below for instructions.

The reading application used must be compatible with EPUB and PDF formats and must be able to read files protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM). See the Compatible Devices and Applications section below for a list of compatible applications.

The following procedure presents the PocketBook Reader application, but the instructions are essentially the same if you are using another reading application that supports ACS.


What is DRM?

Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a protective measure built into an ebook and designed to protect it from copyright infringement. It controls the various parameters of the digital loan, including its duration. Two DRMs are used in e-lending. To read an ebook protected by ACS (the Adobe Content Server DRM), you must have an Adobe account, which you can sign-up for free, and a compatible e-reading application (see (ST2437-en) Compatible reading devices and applications).The LCP DRM (Licensed Content Protection) is an open solution developed by the Readium Foundation, which includes more than 80 members of the publishing industry. If you are using the application on your iOS or Android mobile device, this is the DRM that is used.

What is an Adobe ID?

An Adobe ID is a free account that allows you to open DRM-protected books and read them on multiple devices, provided that each device is authorized with the same Adobe ID.

Creating an Adobe ID

If you already have an Adobe ID, skip this step and head to the step Installing PocketBook Reader below.

An Adobe ID is a free account that allows you to open ebooks protected by ACS. This DRM controls various parameters of e-lending, such as loan duration.

  1. Go to the Adobe login page at https://account.adobe.com/ .

  2. Click on Create an account.

  3. Fill out the form and jot down the email address and password you used to sign up. Read the terms of use and click Create an Account.

Your Adobe ID is the email address with which you signed up. Please remember to write it down along with the password you chose. This information will be required to configure all applications and devices that require an Adobe ID to read ebooks.

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Installing PocketBook Reader

If you have already installed the e-reader application and entered your Adobe ID, skip to Borrowing and downloading an ebook below.


Install the PocketBook Reader application.

  1. Search for PocketBook Reader application on Google Play or the App Store.

  2. Tap Install.

  3. Once the installation is complete, tap Open to launch the application.

Please note that the PocketBook Reader application does not allow early returns of borrowed ebooks. The ebook will automatically be returned at the end of the borrowing period. The application also does not support audiobooks borrowed from your library


Entering your Adobe ID in the e-reading application

To read ebooks borrowed from your library, you must enter your Adobe ID in the PocketBook Reader application.

  1. From the application's home screen, ignore the email request and tap the return icon in the upper left corner of your screen.

  2. Go to the Settings section.

  3. Tap Accounts.

  4. Tap Adobe DRM.

  5. Enter the email address and password used in the step Creating an Adobe ID, above.

  6. Tap Log in.

Your application is configured to read ebooks borrowed from your library. You will not need to repeat the previous steps.

Borrowing and downloading an ebook

Visit your library via your device's Web browser.

  1. In your device's Web browser, browse your library's catalogue to find the book you want to borrow.

  2. In the search results page or the book's detailed record, press the Borrow button.

  3. Press the Confirm your loan button.

  4. Click on the Reading on a e-readers option to download the ebook file. You can also download the file by following the link sent to you by email.

The downloaded file will have a .acsm extension due to the DRM.


Opening an ebook in the e-reading application

Now that the PocketBook Reader application is configured on your device, you can open the ebook you borrowed from this application.

  1. Once the ebook is downloaded, a display will ask you to open the file with the .acsm extension. Press Open.

  2. If the PocketBook Reader application is not selected by default, select it.

  3. Press Always if you want all ebooks to open in this application in the future. Otherwise, press Once to open the ebook in the PocketBook Reader application this one time.