EBSCO has updated the process for downloading full eBooks for offline reading.
As of April 2026, Adobe Digital Editions is no longer used for new full EBSCO eBook downloads. Full downloaded eBooks are now opened using Thorium Reader.
This guide will help you install Thorium Reader, download an EBSCO eBook, and open it successfully for offline use.
What changed?
Full EBSCO eBook downloads for offline reading now use Thorium Reader.
Adobe Digital Editions is no longer used for new full EBSCO eBook downloads. EBSCO has moved to a Thorium Reader / LCP-based download process.
This only affects full downloaded eBooks for offline use. Online reading in your browser is still available.
What is not changing?
The following parts of the EBSCO eBook experience remain the same:
- Reading EBSCO eBooks online in your browser
- Downloading individual chapters
- DRM-free full eBook downloads
- EBSCO eBooks that were already downloaded in Adobe Digital Editions, which can still be used until they expire
What you need before you start
Before downloading a full EBSCO eBook for offline reading, make sure you have:
- access to the eBook through the TCM Library
- a MyEBSCO account for full eBook downloads
- Thorium Reader installed on your computer
- a compatible device
Compatibility note: Thorium Reader is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is not currently available as a mobile app. For phones and tablets, we recommend continuing to use EBSCO in your web browser. If you need help with mobile access, please contact Helpdesk.
Step 1: Install Thorium Reader
To read full EBSCO eBooks offline, first install Thorium Reader on your computer.
Thorium Reader is now used for opening new full EBSCO eBook downloads for offline reading.
Note: Thorium Reader is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. For phones and tablets, continue using EBSCO in your web browser.
Step 2: Find and download the eBook in EBSCO
- Go to the eBook through the TCM Library.
- Open the title in EBSCO.
- Sign in to your MyEBSCO account if prompted.
- Select the option to download the full eBook.
- Choose PDF or EPUB, if available.
- Copy or save the passphrase provided during the download process.
Step 3: Open the book in Thorium Reader
After downloading the full eBook from EBSCO, open it in Thorium Reader.
- Launch Thorium Reader.
- Open or import the downloaded eBook file.
- Enter the passphrase provided by EBSCO when prompted.
- Once the passphrase is accepted, the book will open for offline reading.
Note: You normally only need to enter the passphrase once per device.
Troubleshooting
The eBook does not open
Make sure you are opening the downloaded file in Thorium Reader, not Adobe Digital Editions.
I am asked for a passphrase
Enter the passphrase provided during the EBSCO download process. In most cases, it only needs to be entered once per device.
I cannot read the eBook on my phone or tablet
Thorium Reader is intended for desktop and laptop use. For mobile access, continue using EBSCO in your web browser.
I already downloaded books in Adobe Digital Editions
Books that were downloaded previously in Adobe Digital Editions can continue to be used there until they expire.
I still need help
Please contact Helpdesk first. For library-related questions, you may also contact library@tcmi.edu.