Q. How do I use the EBSCO Thorium eReader App?

EBSCO recently migrated to the Thorium eReader app for ebook downloads that are protected by digital rights management (DRM). This app replaces Adobe Digital Editions, which was used for ebook downloads previously. Ebooks can still be read via web browser, and DRM-free ebooks, as well as ebook chapters, can still be downloaded and read without using the eReader app.

For instructions on downloading DRM-protected books through EBSCO using the Thorium eReader, please follow the directions below.

Step 1 - Download the Thorium Reader App

The first step is to download the Thorium Reader App. The app is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Follow the directions on https://thorium.edrlab.org/en/ to download on the desired system.

After it has been downloaded, open the file. A pop-up may appear to choose installation options. Select your desired installation option.

To finish this setup, run Thorium and select Finish.

Step 2 - Download your EBSCO eBook as an ePUB 

Navigate to the EBSCO eBook you are interested in downloading in EBSCO eBooks. Select to view the ePUB version and go to the ‘Full eBook’ tab of the ‘Download’ pop-up that appears.

You will be asked to ‘Please sign in to your MyEBSCO account to check availability and download full eBooks. However, if you prefer not to sign in at the time, you can still download individual chapters.’ If you have not logged into your MyEBSCO account before, select 'MyEBSCO’ link at the top left of the screen to login with your ISU ULID.  

Step 3 - Download your eBook with a Thorium Reader Passphrase

After signing into your MyEBSCO account. You will be rerouted to the download pop-up, where you can select the duration that you would like to borrow the eBook, and select whether you would like to download a PDF (Recommended for desktop) or EPUB (Recommended for mobile devices).

At the bottom of the pop-up, you will see a Thorium Reader passphrase that you can copy. Copy the passphrase to access the eBook in Thorium Reader. Select ‘Download’

Your book will begin to download. Select to open the file, and the Thorium Reader app will appear, and a pop-up to enter the LCP passphrase will appear. Paste the passphrase in the bar and select to ‘Open’ the book. Enjoy reading!

Note: Users will only need to enter the passphrase once per computer the first time the open a DRM protected book in Thorium. EBooks will be automatically returned when the checkout period has passed, or optionally, users can manually return their eBooks before the checkout period ends.

If you have issues, please reach out to liberesourceshelp@ilstu.edu for assistance.