On August 4, 2026, the University Library successfully went live with the new open-source library system, FOLIO.
A Successful Start
In the presence of numerous University Library staff members and interested library users, FAU President Prof. Hornegger processed the first loans using the new system at the Main Library shortly after 8:00 a.m. In addition to guests from the Erlangen Regional Computing Center (RRZE), and Robert Scheuerl, Deputy Director of the Central Office of the Bavarian Library Network (BVB) and Head of the Application Support Division, was also in attendance. Afterward, those present celebrated the successful launch of FOLIO together.
This marks the end of the restrictions of the past few weeks, which were necessary as part of the software migration. As of today, the University Library is once again offering all its usual services, along with a number of improvements.
Important Improvements
Library users already noticed significant changes with the switch to the new “VuFind” catalog at the end of April. Since then, users have been able to conveniently log in to their library accounts using their IdM credentials, and even external library users now need only one password for the library’s various services (catalog, access to databases, and logging in at the internet workstations).
The most important changes introduced by FOLIO are summarized on a separate page. One notable change, for example, is that books borrowed from any of the four main locations (the Main Library and branch libraries) can be returned flexibly at any of those locations, regardless of where they were picked up. However, this policy does not apply to the departmental libraries.
Effective immediately, all payment transactions will be processed electronically via the ePayBayern platform (epay.bayern.de) or by bank transfer. In the interest of sustainability, both the first and second reminders, as well as the loan and return receipts, will be sent by email.
Open Source Philosophy
“FOLIO” (an acronym for “The Future Of Libraries Is Open”) is a modern system that manages all of the library’s central processes, such as media lending and acquisition, interlibrary loan, statistics, and metadata management.
Open-source software allows for greater independence from commercial vendors, more influence over software development, and control over the operation of the software and one’s own data. Last but not least, there are no license fees.
The increased use of open source is one of the cornerstones of FAU’s open science policy, so it stands to reason that the University Library is committed to this cause, as Prof. Hornegger emphasized.
Collaborative Development
The transition was the result of several months of intensive preparation—including two test migrations. Employees were familiarized with the new system through numerous internal training sessions.
The University Library is now the fourth university library in Bavaria to have switched to FOLIO. Our staff not only support the Bavarian migration project but are also actively involved in German-speaking working groups and within the international FOLIO community.
The University Library is thus part of a growing community of institutions that rely on open standards and collaboratively developed software solutions in the library sector.
