FAQs
How do I get access to the Informatics Library?
The Informatics Library is located on the Informatikum on the ground floor of Building A . (Plans of the Informatikum)
How do I get a library card?
A library card can be obtained at the loan desk of the Informatics Library.
Please fill out the registration form for the University of Hamburg Library System in advance. Within 30 days you can pick up your library card at the Informatics Library. Please bring your identity card (alternatively: passport or electronic readable EU driving license, in each case with a current address confirmation of the residents' registration office concerning a residence in Germany) as well as your student identity card.
The library card is also valid for the other libraries of the University of Hamburg (Fachbibliotheken) and for the State and University Library Hamburg (Stabi) and free of charge for students of the University Hamburg.
To get access to your user account, please use the corresponding link in the Campus Catalogue or log in to the Katalogplus. You will be asked for your user number (=number of your library card) and password.
How do I find books?
You can search for printed books and e-books in library catalogues:
- The Campus Catalogue contains the media of the libraries of the University of Hamburg (Fachbibliotheken) and the State and University Library Hamburg (Stabi).
- The Katalogplus is an extension of the Campus Catalogue and also lists academic articles from journals that are mainly available in the University of Hamburg library system, either electronically or in print.
In both catalogues you will find information on the current availability of the media.
What can I do if I cannot find a book?
The librarians will be happy to help you! Send an e-mail to infbib-information.inf"AT"uni-hamburg.de (functional address of the librarians). Or you may contatct them by phone on 040 42883-2216.
You are also welcome to suggest a book for the library.
How can I borrow media?
You need a library card to borrow media (books, reports, journals, etc.).
Search in the Campus Catalogue or Katalogplus for media you want to borrow and note the shelf mark given. In the library catalogs you can also see whether the book is currently on the shelf or borrowed. If the book is not borrowed, you may take it from the shelf and borrow it at the loan desk of the Informatics Library - after presenting your library card.
What can I do if a book has already been borrowed?
You can reserve borrowed media. To do so, click on the corresponding link in the library catalogues. You will be automatically notified by e-mail as soon as a reserved item is handed in at the Informatics Library. Within one week, you can pick up your reserved item during the opening hours.
How long can I keep borrowed media?
The loan period for media is 4 weeks.
3 days before the loan period ends, you will receive a reminder e-mail for timely return or renewal.
Can I extend the loan period?
If your borrowed items have not been reserved by another user, you can renew them before the loan period expires via the link User account in the Campus Catalogue or log in to the Katalogplus. You will be asked for your user number (=number of your library card) and password.
You can extend the loan period 3 times for another 4 weeks. Please note that the loan period is extended by 4 weeks from the day of the extension - not from the end of the loan period!
What happens if I have exceeded the loan period?
If the loan period is exceeded, fine rates will be charged.
If you have forgotten to renew or return your borrowed media in time, please call the loan desk (040 42883-2215) or send us an e-mail(infbib-ausleihe.inf"AT"uni-hamburg.de). We will extend the loan period for you!
Does the Library offer E-Media?
The digital offer of the Informatics Library:
- e-books
- e-journals
- reference and fulltext databases
All licensed e-books can be found next to the printed books in the Campus Catalogue and in the Katalogplus.
The Electronic Journals Library (EZB) offers you fast, structured and standardized access to scientific and academic full-text journals. Journals concerning Computer Science, you find here.
Reference and fulltext databasess collect information on selected topics and either indicate the sources of their information or link directly to the full texts on the internet. Various scientific research databases are available for your research.
How do I get access to e-media?
You get access to the licensed e-media from home via VPN. If you have any questions concerning VPN, please contact the Informatics Computing Centre.
Of course, you also get access to the licensed e-media from workplaces in the Informatics Library or from all devices on university campus (IP range 134.100.*.*). Information on the use of WLAN in the university area can be found here.
Can I get workplace in the Informatics Library?
In the Informatics Library, there are a total of 50 quiet and comfortable workplaces for undisturbed study as well as group workplaces that can be used without prior registration. If you want to be sure to get a place, you can reserve in advance.
For how long can I book a workplace?
The possible time units for reservations are Monday to Friday from 9am - 12pm, 12pm - 3pm and from 3pm - 7pm. You can reserve up to three time units per day.
If not all time units are reserved for a day, free places can be reserved without prior reservation. Just give us a short call (040 42883-2215).
Do I have to use lockers for my personal belongings?
In the Informatics Library, you can take your bag/backpack with you to your workplace. It is also allowed to take drinks and small snacks with you.
Can I leave my personal belongings in the Informatics Library overnight?
If you work in the Informatics Library for a longer period of time, you can leave your books, documents, etc. in a lockable "caddy" in the library. Caddys are available free of charge at the loan desk of the Informatics Library.
What additional services does the Informatics Library offer?
Notebooks / Macbooks
30 notebooks and 33 MacBooks are available for loan in the Informatics Library (only for students of the Department of Informatics). Details of the equipment can be found here.
To borrow a device, please bring your library card and identity card with you. The loan period is 4 weeks and can be extended 4 times - unless another user has made a reservation.
Would you like to reserve a device? Then please contact the loan desk (phone 42883-2215) or send us an e-mail(infbib-ausleihe.inf"AT"uni-hamburg.de).
Virtual Bookcase
In our Virtual Bookcase (ViB), we have, among other things, compiled the lecturers' literature recommendations for you.
Book Scanner and "Bürowerkstatt"
You can use the book scanner and the "Bürowerkstatt" in the Informatics Library. In the "Bürowerkstatt", you can join loose sheets with a spiral binding. Spirals in different sizes as well as cover sheets are available at the loan desk of the library. Both offers are free of charge.
Who can help me if I have a question?
I have questions about the loan or reservation of workplaces.
During the opening hours of the Informatics Library, you can contact the loan desk by phone at 040 428 83-2215. Also you can send an e-mail to infbib-ausleihe.inf"AT"uni-hamburg.de (functional address of the loan desk).
I have questions about books, e-media, articles, etc.
The librarians will be glad to help you! Send an e-mail to infbib-information.inf"AT"uni-hamburg.de (functional address of the librarians) or you may contatct them by phone on 040 42883-2216.
Of course you can also use our contact form to send us an enquiry.