Another angle is to suggest alternative formats. If the user can't access the PDF, maybe they can access it in other formats through their library's digital services, like OverDrive or Kindle Unlimited if available. Or recommend audiobooks if applicable, though that's less common for technical texts.
I should also consider that the user might need a summary or key points if they can't access the book. Maybe offer to outline the main topics covered in such handbooks, like radiographic techniques, radiation safety, patient care, equipment use, anatomy relevant to radiography, etc. However, providing summaries could also be problematic if done without proper sourcing.
Also, consider academic resources. If the user is a student or educator, they might have access to subscription-based databases like Ovid, PubMed, or library resources. Alternatively, some publishers offer free sample chapters or excerpts. Open access resources might be an option, though they might not cover all the content comprehensively.
Moreover, maybe the user is looking for specific chapters or sections. In that case, recommending the purchase of the latest edition or checking the publisher's website for additional resources might help. Also, pointing them towards medical radiography forums or professional organizations where they can discuss resources could be beneficial.