Frequently Asked Questions

For most e-books in the Online Library, you can read them whenever you want. However sometimes unfortunately you may be asked to join a queue when you try access an e-book.

This is because some of our books can only be read by one user at a time, similar to how only one person can read a book in a physical library. We try to avoid adding these books to the Online Library where possible, but the publisher determines whether a book can only be read by one person at a time. When we add these books to our collection, we ensure that we have enough copies so that queues are kept to a minimum.

We recommend that you join the queue because as soon as your requested item is available you will be notified by email that the book is available for you to read. In VLeBooks, if all of the copies are being used, you will be asked if you want to reserve the book and for your email address. In E-Book Central, click the 'Place Hold' button and you will be asked to add a wait list email address to your profile. E-Book Central will send you an email with a 'Confirm My Email' link you need to click. Then navigate back to the book to place the hold.

When the book becomes available to read, you can read it by clicking the link in the notification email from VLeBooks or E-Book Central. Alternatively, you can log into VLeBooks and click 'My Account' in the top right corner. Or log into E-Book Central and click 'Bookshelf' at the top of the page.

When it is your turn to read the book, we recommend that you download the book so that you can read it until the download period ends.

We recognise that waiting for a book can be frustrating, so the Online Library purchases multiple copies of essential reading texts so books are available for you when you need them. However please contact us if you find you are unable to access a book when you need it and we will look into whether we can purchase additional copies.