University Library

Around two million cataloged books, thousands of journals, a wide range of online materials, and a place to concentrate on your work – the University Library provides students with important sources of information and the perfect atmosphere for studying.

The University Library has five branches, each of which stocks resources on specific subjects and topics. All locations have computer work stations, copiers, book scanners, and free WiFi.

Introductory tours

Tours are offered in all libraries at the beginning of each semester. They provide new students in particular with a good overview of the services and resources on offer. The dates of the introductory tours are available at
www.ku.de/bibliothek/service/schulungen/uebersicht

If you have any questions about using the library, you can also contact a member of staff at the information desk on the ground floor of the Main Library. The desk is staffed from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and until 4.00 p.m. on Fridays. You can also receive help with your research here. In addition, if necessary, the information desk staff can put you in contact with a specialist for your subject, who can help you with more specific questions.

The University Library offers a wide range of research tools: catalogs, specialist databases, and search engines. The most important tool is OPAC, the KU’s online catalog, which is available at
https://opac.ku.de

You can use OPAC to search for items held at the University Library, as well as the library of Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt. Details are provided on whether a particular work is available at the KU and where you can find it. Only some of the library’s stock is stored on the shelves in the reading rooms. Many books and journals are kept in closed stacks. If you want to use these, you must order the work you would like via OPAC after logging in with your user ID. In most cases the book will be available for you to collect from the loans desk just half an hour after you have placed your order.

Tools for searching for literature

In addition to OPAC, there are various other tools available such as a database information system and an electronic journal library. If you need a book that is not stocked by the KU library, it is often possible to order a copy from another library via interlibrary loan. This services is free of charge for KU students and staff, and the requested works are normally available within a few days.

We recommend taking part in one of the library’s introductory courses on searching for literature. Dates are available at
www.ku.de/bibliothek/service/schulungen/uebersicht

Information on using the library, in particular on loan periods, is available at
www.ku.de/bibliothek/benutzung/hinweise

An overview of the University Library’s catalogs, databases, and other online services is available at
www.ku.de/bibliothek/katalog

Getting started

• Your student ID also functions as your library card. You will need to show it when you want to borrow a book to take home, for example.
• Please store jackets and bags in the lockers in front of the libraries. You may take stationery and a laptop into the reading rooms.
• You are allowed to drink water in the libraries; no other food or drink is permitted. Please keep noise to a minimum in the reading rooms to ensure you do not disturb other students.

The KU’s libraries

• Main Library: Languages, linguistics, literary studies, history, political science, law, ethnology, and regional topics. Conservatory with national and international daily newspapers. Loans desk for collecting and returning orders from the closed stacks and interlibrary loans. The building was planned by architect Günter Behnisch, who also designed the Olympic stadium in Munich.
• Departmental Library 1: Theology, religious education, philosophy, and music. The reading room was originally the inner courtyard of a canons’ residence, which was covered with a roof and had shelving installed.
• Departmental Library 2: Geography, journalism, mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and medicine, education, psychology, sociology, sport, business administration, and economics. The reading room used to be a riding arena, while the wing where books are stored was built directly onto the old town wall.
• Departmental Library 3:  Archaeology and art history. Manuscripts, early printed books, and maps, as well as the collection of prints and drawings, are also kept here.
• Branch Library in Ingolstadt: Business administration, economics, and law. The reading room is in a former church.

Opening hours

The libraries are open from 8.30 a.m. on weekdays and from 9.00 a.m. on Saturdays.
You can work in the Main Library and Departmental
Departmental Library 1 is open until 9.00 p.m. on weekdays and until 6.00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Library 2 until 11.30 p.m. during the week and until 7.30 p.m. on Saturdays.
Departmental Library 3 is open until 7.00 p.m. on weekdays.
The Branch Library in Ingolstadt closes at 11.00 p.m. on weekdays and 8.00 p.m. on Saturdays.
All libraries are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Opening hours are reduced during the semester break.