so this might be a completely silly question, but is there a way to equip an item or read a book directly from a container without first having to put it into your inventory?

i know the console versions let you do this, but i can't figure out how to do it on the pc version. i'm tired of having to remember what skill book i just looked at so i can pick it up, load up my inventory, and read it.

Yes, just select the book and activate it. You have to read the book before you can take it. If you are reading it, just hit the Tab Key to close it without taking it, just like if it was on a desk or table.

Books in this game have to be read before you can pick them up. This is so you can borrow a book to read without stealing it first.

The only time you don't have to read them first is to drop them from your inventory into a container.

You might have a mod that auto-picks up books-- I know I do. I'm not sure which mod is doing it, but selecting a book immediately places it into my inventory before reading. Oh well.

Thanks, but I was actually referring to the last bit you mentioned. Books are probably a bad example, but notes is more common. Is there a way to read a note while looting it from a container or person without having to first place it in your inventory?

Same way I think. Notes and Books should have the same scripts on them.

I usually just throw the notes a night stand somewhere after I am done with them.