Why is my access to e-books blocked when I use the web address my tutor gave me?
This occurs if you try to access an e-book directly via a web address. A tutor or lecturer may cite an e-book in a bibliography or reference list and include a web address directly to it. If you type or copy and paste this address into your web browser, you may be unable to access the full text and you will see an error message stating (for example) that your access to the title has been blocked due to anti-piracy measures or that your institution does not have access to the title.
Answer
This happens because e-book providers cannot authenticate your access correctly if you try to access their content directly via a web address, and they assume that you are a member of the public. To avoid this issue, you should always access e-books either via your electronic reading list or by searching for the title on Library Search because the e-book links there are correctly configured to allow Exeter students' and staff members' access.