As of 14 April 2026, EBSCO e-books can once again be downloaded in full to a user’s device, as the service will enable the use of the Thorium Reader reading application for its DRM (Digital Rights Management) protected books. Thorium Reader is already used for downloading Ellibs e-books.
All EBSCO e‑books can still be read in a web browser. There will also be no changes to downloading individual chapters or DRM‑free e‑books. However, downloading a book into Thorium Reader is required, for example, if a DRM‑protected e‑book is to be read offline.
Thorium Reader can be downloaded to a computer from the Thorium website or from the application store of the device in use (e.g. Microsoft Store). Thorium Reader is not yet available for mobile devices.
Thorium Reader asks for a passphrase each time an EBSCO e‑book is opened. This book‑specific passphrase is provided to the user when the EBSCO e‑book file is downloaded to the device. Thorium Reader remembers entered passphrases, so the user does not need to re‑enter the passphrase as long as the loan period is still valid. A borrowed e‑book can be downloaded to up to six different devices.
Downloading complete EBSCO e‑books requires the creation of a MyEBSCO user account. A MyEBSCO account also enables, among other things, placing reservations on EBSCO e‑books.
Previously, Adobe Digital Editions was used as the reading application for EBSCO e‑books. However, since summer 2025, downloading complete EBSCO e‑books has been blocked within the EU because the functionality did not meet the requirements of the EU Accessibility Directive. The introduction of Thorium Reader now enables, among other things, the use of screen‑reading software.
Any questions or feedback can be sent to: [email protected]
Thorium Reader download page
EBSCO eBooks – LCP & Thorium – Frequently Asked Questions (a printable take-away version)
EBSCO eBooks – LCP & Thorium – Frequently Asked Questions (a more comprehensive page)