You can access over 1.4 million ebooks via SOLO but have you ever wondered why the Bodleian Libraries cannot provide all books electronically?

Here is a list of the main reasons why:

• Some titles do not exist as ebooks. In general, ebook versions are most commonly available for titles printed within the last decade.
• Sometimes publishers provide ebooks that are for individual private purchase only.
• Sometimes an ebook licence stipulates only one person can use it at a time, which is too restrictive for books on reading lists.
• Sometimes ebooks are not licensed for sale in the UK.
• Sometime ebooks are only available to purchase as part of a large package.
• Sometimes ebooks are available for purchase, but with additional restrictions to named individuals or cohorts which are counter to current University policies on access to e-resources

• We will always try to find a solution, negotiating with suppliers and sharing the cost across multiple budgets.
• Note that the costs quoted for ebooks on publisher websites are usually for individual private access. Institutional access, when available, is usually much more expensive.
• Example: A recent ebook that was requested for purchase was almost £5,500 for a three-user licence.

Further information on finding, accessing and using our ebook collections can be found on our ebooks Subject Guide.

You can recommend an ebook (or any other library resource) for purchase via the PURCHASE REQUEST form (available via the top menu on the SOLO homepage).