Springer Link ebooks: hints, tips and known issues

The ebooks team has recently received queries about ebooks on Springer Link, so we have created a blog post with details about known issues and some advice.

We will update this blog post to reflect any changes or new information. This blog post will also be linked in the Springer entry under Platform Hints and Tips on the ebooks@Cambridge LibGuide.

We are aware that it is not always clear what ebooks should be available to Cambridge users on Springer Link, and we are also aware that a recurrent error message appears when users try to log in on the platform, so we hope that this blog post will help. We have also sent feedback to Springer, who are planning to use clearer branding in a future version of the platform.

Springer have also added a message to the top of their search results with a link to the old search, which shows more clearly which content is available and not available. (Content that is not available to Cambridge users is marked in the old search results with a gold padlock.)

You can click on the section headings below to jump to a specific section of the blog post:

• Availability of ebook titles on Springer Link
• Checking if Cambridge has access to a book on Springer Link
• Checking if you are logged in on the Springer Link platform
• Logging in to the Springer Link platform
• Application Error when logging in on Springer Link

Availability of ebook titles on Springer Link

We know that many of our users browse the Springer Link platform in search of content. Cambridge has access to a large number of ebooks on the platform through ebook collections, as well as a small selection of individually purchased Springer and Palgrave Macmillan titles.

Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to purchase access to all ebook titles hosted on Springer Link. We recommend searching for available ebook titles in iDiscover using the Cambridge Libraries Collections search, as we add records for all of our subscribed and purchased titles. You may also find that a Springer or Palgrave Macmillan title is available on a different ebook platform, such as EBSCOhost, Ebook Central or VLeBooks.

If you require access to any titles not already available in our collections, please do make a recommendation through our Online recommendation form, and the request will go to the relevant acquisitions team for consideration.

If you just need a chapter (and a title is not available in our collections in print or as an ebook), then it may also be possible to request access to the chapter through the Request a Digital Copy service via iDiscover. More information can be found on the Request a Digital Copy LibGuide. Alternatively, Inter-Library Loans might be able to help.

Checking if Cambridge has access to a book on Springer Link

As mentioned, the best way to check if we have access to an ebook is by searching in iDiscover, especially as we might have access to a title through a different ebook provider.

However, you can also check access on Springer Link if you happen to find an interesting book when browsing the website.

A book that is accessible to Cambridge users will display a Download book PDF or a Download book EPUB link at the top of the right sidebar.

You will also see the text “Access provided by University of Cambridge” at the top of the Table of Contents.

A book that is not accessible to Cambridge users will display an “Access via your institution” link at the top of the right sidebar, even if you are already logged in.

Above the Table of Contents, you will also see the following text: “This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check for access.”

Again, this text displays if you are not logged in, or if you are logged in but Cambridge does not have access.

The wording is a bit confusing, as it does seem to suggest that you are not logged in, even though you might be. The next section explains how to check if you are already logged in.

Checking if you are logged in on the Springer Link platform

You can check if you are logged in to the Springer Link platform at the foot of the webpage.

You should see a list of items, starting with “JISC Journal Usage Statistics Portal”. The list will include the text “University of Cambridge (2000188110)”.

If you are not logged in, it will simply show your IP address and say, “Not affiliated”.

Logging in to the Springer Link platform

There are a few different ways that Cambridge users can be authenticated on the platform:

• You should automatically be recognised as a Cambridge user if you are on campus and using the Cambridge network (eduroam for Cambridge students and staff).
• iDiscover records for ebook titles will automatically direct you via your Raven login if you are off campus.
• The Springer Link link on the A-Z Databases or Ebooks LibGuide A-Z is also configured to send users via their Raven login when they are accessing e-resources remotely.
• You can log in on the platform with your Raven credentials by clicking “Access via your institution” and searching for “University of Cambridge” under “Find your institution”.

Application Error when logging in on Springer Link

You might see an Application Error message when logging in on the platform through “Access via your institution“:

This error can occur if your web browser has remembered a previous login in the form of a cookie stored on your browser. The cookie may skip parts of the login process, which can make logging in quicker, but for security reasons Springer block these kinds of logins after a period of time, resulting in this Application Error.

You can resolve the error by clearing your browser cache and logging in again. This website has more information on how to clear your cache and cookies. You can also trying using a different browser, or incognito or private browsing.

Alternatively, you can try logging in through a different route. (See section “Logging in to the Springer Link platform”.)

Please ignore the instructions in the error message advising you to simply try again without clearing your cache, as you may end up going round in circles.

Please do get in touch if you have any ebook questions. Write to us at ebooks@lib.cam.ac.uk.

Please contact ejournals@lib.cam.ac.uk with questions about Springer ejournals.