EBSCO has launched a new app with improved ebook accessibility features and other updates.
Starting May 19, 2026, Duke University Libraries will move to EBSCO’s supported app, Thorium, for downloading DRM ebooks. Reading ebooks directly in your browser and downloading ebooks chapters will stay the same. Please contact mclibrary-collections@duke.edu if you have any questions. More information can be found on Duke Main Library website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is DRM?
DRM stands for Digital Rights Management. Some ebooks with DRM have limits on things like how many people can access them at the same time.
Beginning May 19, 2026, Thorium will be available for downloading full-text EBSCO ebooks. After that date, users will need to use Thorium or another LCP-compatible e-reader to download DRM-protected EBSCO ebooks. (Ebooks without DRM can still be downloaded directly or read in the Thorium app.)
Can I still read EBSCO ebooks online?
Yes, absolutely! Online browsing and reading experience will remain the same.
Do I need to download Thorium Reader to read individual book chapters?
No, downloading individual ebook chapters will not be affected by this transition.
How do I connect Thorium app to my account?
After downloading the Thorium app to your device, sign in to EBSCO and start an ebook download. You’ll be asked to choose a borrowing period and format, and you’ll also receive a passphrase to copy.
Thorium does not require a separate third-party account. Instead, each DRM-protected ebook download comes with a one-time passphrase generated by EBSCO for your device.
To open the ebook in Thorium:
- Open Thorium and click “Import Publication.”
- Find the downloaded file in your Downloads folder and open it.
- Paste in the passphrase you copied from EBSCO.
- You only need to enter the passphrase the first time you open that ebook on your device.
- Once imported, the ebook will stay available in Thorium and can be read offline until the loan period expires.