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Q. What is Thorium Reader / how do I download an EBSCO ebook?

The EBSCO ebook says I need to download this software.

Answered By: Ariane Breton
Last Updated: May 13, 2026     Views: 37

Ebooks on EBSCOhost require the use of this free helper software if you wish to "check out," or download, and read an e-book offline. If you read the book in the browser, you do not need Thorium.

You can install Thorium Reader for free from https://www.edrlab.org/software/thorium-reader/ to your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. Please note that Thorium Reader is not available on mobile devices at this time. To read EBSCO ebooks on a phone or tablet, use a web browser on your device.

Once you have installed Thorium Reader, follow these steps:

  1. Search EBSCOhost for ebook titles of interest.
  2. Select the book that you would like to read by clicking on the Access menu or its title in the result list.
  3. In the detailed record page, select a Download > Full eBook and select a format (if available). Select a checkout period if prompted to.
  4. Click Copy to copy the passphrase to your device's clipboard.
  5. Open the Thorium Reader app on your device and click Import publication.
  6. Paste the copied passphrase to authorize the eBook on your device.

See the link below for a demonstration of downloading and opening an ebook.

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