Read It Before It's Gone
DRCs aren't available forever. Publishers set an expiration date on each galley, usually timed to the title's publication date or shortly after. Once that date hits, the DRC is automatically removed from your library and you won't be able to open or access it anymore.
The good news: Covered gives you plenty of warning before that happens, so you won't be caught off guard.
Tip: When a DRC expires, it is permanently removed from your library. There is no grace period and no way to recover access after the fact.
How to spot a DRC that is about to expire
Covered flags DRCs that are expiring within the next 7 days so you can prioritize them before the window closes. Titles within 7 days of expiring have an amber
The 'Available Until' Label
Every DRC that has an expiration date shows an 'Available until [date]' label on its card and in its detail panel. This label is always visible, not just when things are getting close.
When a DRC is 7 days or fewer from expiring, that label turns amber and moves up the visual hierarchy so it's harder to miss.
The 'Ending Soon' Sort Option
If you want to see all your expiring DRCs in one place, use the sort menu in the DRC browse list and select Ending Soon. This brings the nearest-expiring titles to the top of the list so you can work through them in order of urgency.
TIP: Make 'Ending Soon' your weekly Monday sort. A quick scan at the start of the week helps you stay on top of what needs attention before the weekend.
What happens when a DRC expires
Here's the full timeline, from listing to gone:
- More than 7 days before expiration: The 'Available until' date label shows in its standard color. No urgency indicator this is just a heads-up that there is a deadline.
- 7 days or fewer before expiration: The 'Available until' label turns amber and becomes more prominent on the card and in the detail panel. The DRC also surfaces higher when sorted by Ending Soon.
- On the expiration date: The DRC is automatically removed from your Covered library. Any downloaded copies you already have on your device are not affected, only the in-platform access ends.
- After expiration: The DRC listing is no longer accessible. You cannot open it in the Covered reader, and the download option is gone. The title may still appear in the general browse catalog (if the publisher keeps the listing active), but without DRC access.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still see the title details after the DRC expires? Yes, you just won't have DRC access anymore. If you still need to leave or Review or want to see the title details, click the Previously Available tab in the DRC section of My Workspace.
Will I get an email when a DRC is about to expire? Right now, Covered surfaces expiry warnings visually within the site — the amber label and the Ending Soon sort are your main tools. We recommend checking your library's Ending Soon view once a week, so nothing catches you off guard.
What if a DRC expired and I still needed it? DRCs are controlled by the publishers, not Covered. Your best bet is to reach out to your sales rep directly and see if they can assist you. If the publisher chooses to extend access to the DRC within Covered, your access will automatically be updated.
Can a publisher extend the expiration date? Yes! Users with DRC Admin permissions can adjust the expiration for any DRC at any time.