Once downloaded, an eBook may be downloaded into the reader and used with no Internet connection for the loan period of the eBook. Notes, highlights and bookmarks may be placed in an eBook and these are available each time the eBook is checked out. Search facilities exist in the offline reader to assist the reader. This will show both the ADL and the institution's logo when their own users login. The associated institution gains access to their own extra-net login site, which gives information of the use of eBooks by their own members.
Associated libraries register their own users.
Each associated library has the opportunity to purchase eBooks for their own exclusive use. These may be kept private from the central collection and rather be made available only for users of the single, associated library. This is at the discretion of the associated library. To help build capacity, more materials need to be converted into eBook format and included in the African Digital Library. Study material that focus on development needs in Africa such as agriculture, entrepreneurship, health, information technology, food production Materials that are being created through existing projects should be provided to the African Digital Library for conversion into encrypted eBook format.