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.

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The Educational Science Branch Library (EZB) in Nuremberg will be open from August 1 to August 31, Monday till Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It will be closed on weekends.

Regular opening hours will apply again in September.

To ensure that the building can be accessed comfortably and without barriers at all times, a new sliding door equipped with modern photoelectric sensor technology has been installed at the main entrance of the Juridicum. In the event of a power outage, the door opens fully automatically via a built-in rechargeable battery. It then functions as a reliable emergency exit, providing a clear path to the outside at all times.

The graphic works of Lucas Cranach the Elder, his sons, and the workshop have been made available online in the Cranach Digital Archive. With 88 of a total of 290 drawings, the University Library Erlangen-Nürnberg holds one of the largest collections.

In this research project, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Ernst von Siemens Kunststiftung, nearly 300 drawings and over 600 prints—in their various print states and editions—were scientifically examined and systematically cataloged for the first time between 2023 and 2026 using an interdisciplinary approach. Innovative technical examinations were conducted using light microscopy and other analytical methods.

The necessary imaging of the Erlangen collection was carried out in September 2024. High-resolution digital images and scans at various wavelengths were produced, including in the infrared spectrum, which makes it possible to answer complex questions. For example, this makes it possible to determine whether soot ink or iron gall ink was used for a particular drawing. In addition, a paper analysis was conducted, including watermark imaging and measurement of the grid width (ripple lines). Further analysis and evaluation of the research data are planned as part of a follow-up project.

The University Library has successfully transitioned to a new catalog. It features a modern design with a user-friendly interface and is optimized for use on smartphones and tablets. The system uses open-source software called VuFind®, which is developed by the library community.

The URL has changed and is now search.ub.fau.de—we recommend updating your bookmarks right away.

Search and you shall find.

As before, you can use either the simple or the advanced search when conducting your search. From now on, you no longer need to select a pickup location when starting your search, as this selection is only required when placing an order. This means you can begin your search immediately.

The previous three tabs for search results have been consolidated into two tabs: In “Books & More” and “Articles & More,” media from other academic libraries in Bavaria—including electronic media—are displayed alongside media from the University Library.

One password for everything in the future!

One major change concerns the library account and the login process:

• FAU members can now conveniently log in to the catalog using their IdM credentials via single sign-on. As before, this requires that the library function be enabled in IdM.
• External library users should please set a new password. To do so, use the Set/Forgot Password function, after which a URL will be sent to you. Passwords will be longer and therefore more secure in the future (at least 12 characters, including at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one digit, and one special character). The login credentials are valid for both the catalog and the internet workstations. Individuals without an email address can no longer use their library account.

Other important changes:

• Media availability is displayed right in the search results.
• Advanced filtering options are available. For example, you can easily set the publication years using a slider.
• You can add brief notes to individual titles in your list of interest. Unfortunately, it is not possible to import lists of interest from the old catalog. Titles must be added individually again.

Coffee Lectures

Training sessions in the form of half-hour online coffee lectures will begin immediately following the transition. During these sessions, we’ll provide a concise overview of all the new features and will be happy to answer your questions.

The cataloging and digitization of medieval manuscripts from the libraries of the Heilsbronn and Sankt Jobst monasteries, a project carried out over six years, was successfully completed by the University Library at the end of March 2026 as planned, with funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG). These collections represent the only two monastery libraries from the Franconian Margraviates of Brandenburg-Ansbach and Brandenburg-Bayreuth that have been preserved in near-complete form. The project encompassed a total of 531 medieval manuscripts from the Heilsbronn Monastery Library that were suitable for digitization, as well as 57 volumes from the former Franciscan monastery of Sankt Jobst near Bayreuth.

The Heilsbronn Monastery Library holds a total collection of 594 manuscripts. This collection consists of 413 Latin parchment manuscripts, 168 Latin paper manuscripts, and 13 German manuscripts, five of which are written on parchment and eight on paper. Nine of these volumes were created after 1500; they were therefore classified as non-medieval according to the project definition and were not included in the project. The 57 medieval manuscripts from the former Franciscan monastery of Sankt Jobst were also cataloged and digitized; of these, three are on parchment and 54 are on paper.

The formal cataloging of the holdings was carried out in the Bavarian Union Catalog. In terms of content, the manuscripts cover a broad spectrum: they include patristic literature, philosophical works, treatises on scholasticism, and numerous sermons, many of which are by Bernard of Clairvaux. Furthermore, the collection includes works on homiletics, manuscripts on canon and secular law, ancient classics, writings on grammar and history, as well as legends of the saints, biographies, and treatises on medicine and the natural sciences.

The digitized items are available in our digital collections:

In addition, they can be searched worldwide on the “Handschriftenportal” (Manuscript Portal).

In early August, the University Library will introduce a new library management system. Following the launch of the new website (end of March) and the new catalog (end of April), this will be the third major relaunch in a short period of time.

On August 4, 2026, the University Library will switch to the new open-source library system FOLIO, which is being gradually introduced by all university libraries in Bavaria. “FOLIO” (an acronym for “The Future Of Libraries Is Open”) will manage all central library processes, such as media lending and acquisition, interlibrary loans, statistics, and metadata management. It is a next-generation system that stands for modularity, openness, transparency, and collaborative development, and is supported nationally and internationally by the library community. This move ensures that the University Library is well-positioned for the future.

As part of the system migration, various organizational and technical factors must be taken into account, which may result in temporary service disruptions. Most of these changes will take place behind the scenes for library users, so the disruptions should be kept to a minimum.

All important information is summarized on a dedicated page and updated there on an ongoing basis:

We will provide timely advance notice of any unavoidable service disruptions through all available channels.

Following the website relaunch at the end of March, the University Library will switch to a new catalog just one month later, at the end of April.

We’ll be using open-source software called VuFind. The catalog will feature a more user-friendly interface, making it even easier to search for and find literature (see work-in-progress screenshot). The website is optimized for use on smartphones and tablets.

For FAU members, login will be via IdM credentials in the future, so no separate password will be required for the catalog. Passwords for external library users will become longer and thus more secure.

The transition will be accompanied by training sessions, which are scheduled to begin in May.

More information will follow at the end of April after the successful relaunch.

Today is the day: The University Library’s new website is now live. Following the launch of fau.de and the rollout by faculty, the rollout by institutions is now underway—starting with the University Library.

The new “FAU Elemental” design theme showcases FAU’s brand identity and combines a clear information architecture with intuitive navigation and a consistent visual style. Dedicated entry points for specific target groups quickly guide students, researchers, faculty, citizens, and schools to the relevant services.

Technically, the site is designed with the future in mind: it is accessible, optimized for mobile devices, features an improved search function, and runs on WordPress, a flexible, scalable platform. In this way, we are accompanying FAU to its new digital home and strengthening the university’s brand identity through a consistent corporate design. The streamlined navigation structure makes the site easier and even more intuitive to use.

We welcome your feedback: Please help us improve the site further by using the contact form on the website.