OPAC: Frequently Asked Questions
Searching
What can I do if my search request has no output?
First, check your search query:
- Are there any spelling mistakes?
- Have you selected the appropriate search field, such as All Fields, Title, Person, or Subject?
- Are there any filters still active that (unnecessarily) limit the list of results?
- Can you use more general terms or synonyms?
If you still can't find any relevant results, try searching in other catalogs or databases as well. We're happy to assist you at the information desk or by e-mail at bibliothek(at)ku.de.
Who can help me find appropriate literature?
Are you looking for literature on a specific topic, or are you unhappy with the results of your research?
You have several options:
- Contact the information desk!
In Eichstätt:
Main Library: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
+49 8421 93-21492; e-mail: bibliothek(at)ku.de
In Ingolstadt:
Branch Library: Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
+49 8421 93-21809; e-mail: ub-wfi(at)ku.de - Attend one of our training sessions!
Here you will learn how to search catalogs and databases correctly and efficiently.
You can find the current list of training sessions here » - Ask a subject specialist!
Subject specialists are responsible for the library collection in the subjects they teach. They are familiar with databases, bibliographies, and other information resources, and have a broad understanding of the available literature.
You can find the subject specialist responsible for your field of study here »
How can I search for a magazine or journal?
In the Advanced Search, enter the journal title in the “Title” field and narrow your search to “Journal” under “Format.” If a journal is labeled “Electronic,” it is an e-journal and can be read online.
How can I print or save my search results?
At the very bottom of the search results page, you can send selected media via e-mail, export the list, print it, save it to a favorites list, or add it to your Book Bag.
You can also send the entire contents or individual media items from your favorites list via e-mail, delete them, export them, print them, or add them to the Book Bag.
Possible export formats include RefWorks, EndNote, EndNoteWeb, BibTeX, and RIS.
How can I see if a book is an interlibrary loan or available at the University Library?
Items from the Eichstätt-Ingolstadt University Library's collection are listed in the OPAC with a location, for example, Eichstätt/Aula book wing, 2nd floor or Branch Library Ingolstadt/reading room. For interlibrary loans, no library location is displayed.
If you are unsure, check the information on the title screen or contact the information desk.
How can I order books or articles through interlibrary loan that I could not find in the OPAC?
In the OPAC, open the “Tools” menu and select “Inter-Library Loan order”. There, you can order books and articles that are not available in the Eichstätt-Ingolstadt University Library's collection.
How can I see if there are other editions or versions of a book?
If there are additional editions or versions, the “Show all versions” button will appear in the OPAC. There you can browse for, for example, other editions, print versions, or e-books.
Why is the shelf number (Signatur) not displayed?
There may be several reasons for this, for example:
- For multi-volume works, the shelf number is displayed only for the individual volumes.
- For online documents, please click the “Read Online” button.
- This title is not part of the Eichstätt-Ingolstadt University Library's collection; it is listed through interlibrary loan.
- The title is currently being processed.
Can I view my previous search queries?
Your search queries are saved in your library account under "Search History" during a session. If you are logged in, you can permanently save individual search queries to your library account by clicking "Save." The session ends when you log out or are automatically logged out after a period of inactivity.
Lending
How can I order books from other locations?
You can order books from the closed stacks or from other locations and have them delivered to the pickup location of your choice. Log in to the OPAC using your library account. In the title list, you can order available items by clicking the corresponding button.
For further information, please check this website order and reserve »
Where can I see which items I have checked out/reserved?
After logging in, you can view your current checked-out items under Checked Out in your library account, and your reservations under Holds and recalls. Under Account blocks, you can see whether your account has been blocked and why.
How many books can I borrow at one time?
The number of books that can be borrowed at one time depends on:
- which user group (students, professors/research staff at the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, or external users) you belong to, and
- the location from which the borrowed books originated (closed stacks, textbook collection, reading room collection, etc.)
You can find the current loan periods under Borrowing »
How can I get hold of a book that is currently checked out?
If an item you want is already checked out by another user, you can place a hold on it. To do this, click “Reserve” in the title bar. As soon as the item has been returned and is ready for you, you will be notified by e-mail.
Will I be notified when books are ready for me to pick up?
You will automatically receive an e-mail when the items you ordered are ready for pickup. We will also send you an e-mail reminder when the loan period for an item is about to end. Please make sure to also check your spam folder.
How and when can I pick up my books?
During opening hours, you can take items from the reading room shelves yourself and check them out. You can find our current opening hours on our website under Locations and hours »
You can pick up your ordered items during opening hours at the designated pickup location. You will receive an e-mail notification as soon as the item is available. Ordered media will be ready for collection for two weeks.
Where can I return items that I have checked out?
Please return items at the location where you borrowed them. This also applies to interlibrary loans. More information is available here: Returning borrowed items »
I am currently not staying in Eichstätt or Ingolstadt. Can I also return borrowed items by post/mail?
Yes, that's possible. More information is available here: Returning borrowed items »
How long does it take for an interlibrary loan to arrive? How will I know when my order has arrived?
Interlibrary loan delivery usually takes about one to three weeks. You will receive an e-mail as soon as your order has arrived and is ready for pickup.
Electronic media
What can I do if I can't download e-books, e-articles, etc.?
You can access licensed e-media when you are connected to the KU network. This is the case if you:
- are connected to eduroam on campus or have the VPN client enabled,
- have enabled the VPN client while off campus,
- or use a computer at the Library.
You can see whether access is available in the OPAC by looking for the note Access to licensed e-resources available.
For information on accessing the KU campus network, please visit the Computer Center website.
If problems arise despite following these guidelines, they may be related to the information provider. In that case, please contact us a bibliothek(at)ku.de.
How can I connect to the KU network?
- For students and staff:
On campus, you can connect to the KU network via a Wi-Fi connection using eduroam. Alternatively, you can use the activated VPN client to access the KU network from anywhere.
For more information, see Online access to e-media » - For external users:
You can access the KU network from the computers in the libraries. There, you can also access the electronic media.
Library account
How can I sign up for the library loan service/how can I get my library card?
- For students:
The KU.Card automatically serves as your library card as well. You can find the user number on the back, below the bar code. - For external users:
You can apply for a library card using our online form
I forgot my password. How can I generate a new one?
Your default password – unless you have already changed it – is your date of birth as a four-digit number: two digits for the day and two for the month. For example: If your birthday is on May 12, your default password is: 1205.
If you have forgotten your password, please use the “Forgot your password?” button to have a new password sent to you by e-mail, or contact the responsible information desk with your library card.
Why is my account blocked?
The following reasons may lead to your account being blocked:
- Invalid library card:
- Students: Maybe you have not yet paid the semester fees, or your KU.Card has not been updated for the new semester at the validation terminals.
- External users: The account has expired because you have not logged in to the OPAC for an extended period of time.
Late fees: There have been instances of overdue items and resulting fees. You can view these in your OPAC account.
To find out how to have your account unlocked if you have overdue fees, please see Reminders and fees »
Can I pay my overdue fees online?
Yes, via online bank transfer. You can find all information regarding reminders and payment options under Reminders and fees »
Who must be notified if your address has changed?
- Students:
Please report the change to the Student Office. The library will then automatically receive the new address with the next system update. - KU employees or external users:
Please notify the Library of any changes of address immediately.
Contact the University Library »
I returned an item using the self-service machine, but I can still see it as checked out in my account. What can I do?
Please contact the information desk or send an e-mail to bibliothek(at)ku.de. Ideally, please let us know the title of the book right away. We will take care of the problem immediately. If loan periods have been exceeded due to the incorrect transaction, you will not face any overdue fees; we will cancel any reminders that have already been generated.
How can books be saved to a favorites list?
You can add any title to one or more favorites lists by clicking the star, selecting a list, and clicking save. If you are logged in, the selected titles will be permanently saved in your account.
In order to create a new favorites list, please click “+” or “create a new list” after selecting the bookmark icon. Next, enter a title and, if necessary, a description for the list.
You can choose between two types of lists:
- Public lists: can be viewed by others if you share the corresponding link.
- Private lists: are visible only for you.
How can I report a damaged item?
If you have damaged a book – for example, by spilling liquid on it or because pages have come loose – please bring the book to the information desk. We will then assess on-site what steps will need to be taken.
- Minimal damage: Minor damage usually will not cause you any problems.
- Serious damage: If the book can no longer be used or repaired after the damage occurred, you may be required to provide a replacement (e.g., by purchasing a replacement copy).
Didn't find the answer to your question here? Contact us!
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