New Library Management System
On August 4, 2026, the University Library migrated to the new open-source library system FOLIO. “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 circulation and acquisition, interlibrary loan, statistics, and metadata management. It also stands for modularity, openness, transparency, and collaborative development, and is supported by the library community both nationally and internationally. This ensures that the University Library is well-positioned for the future.
Due to the software migration, various restrictions on library services were necessary for a short period of time (see below). The University Library is now once again offering all of its usual services, along with some improvements.
Important Information:
More Flexible Book Returns at the Four Major Locations
- If a book was borrowed from one of the four main locations (the Main Library and branch libraries), it can be returned at any of these locations (rather than only at the branch library where it was borrowed, as was previously the case).
- Specifically, this applies to the Main Library (HB), the Science and Technology Branch Library (TNZB), the Economic and Social Sciences Branch Library (WSZB), and the Educational Science Branch Library (EZB).
- However, this rule does not apply to the departmental libraries.
Independent Media Use in the Main Library
- The self-checkout system for borrowing media has long been a proven method. Effective immediately, media will also be returned using this system.
- In addition, media for use in the reading room can be picked up on a self-service basis in Reading Room 1.
Simplified Loan Period Rules
- The loan period is generally four weeks, and, as before, it can be renewed up to six times.
- However, if a hold was already placed on the item at the time of checkout, the loan period is limited to two weeks from the start.
- Contrary to the standard rules, the loan period ends exactly one day before the library account’s expiration date. So be sure to renew your account in a timely manner!
- As usual, you can view all loan periods in your library account.
Changes to the Call Numbers
- The slash is omitted from the part numbers: For example, H60/NU 3100 M474 becomes H60 NU 3100 M474.
- This should be taken into account when conducting catalog searches. However, this does not change the arrangement of the books.
Email instead of Paper Receipts
- In the interest of sustainability, loan and return receipts are sent electronically via email by default.
- The first and second reminders are no longer sent by mail but via email, which is more environmentally friendly.
- Additional email notifications are sent automatically for most posting transactions—for example, an email is generated for each book that is renewed when renewal receipts are issued.
Email Filter
Users are asked to adjust their email filters accordingly if they find they are receiving too many emails. See the IT tips on Outlook rules (in German).
E-Payment
- There are no longer any payment stations, as all payments will now be processed electronically via the ePayBayern platform or by bank transfer.
- If you still have outstanding fees from the old library system, you’ll receive a consolidated bill for them by mail shortly.
Contact Information
- You can now enter only one email address and one mailing address in your library account.
- Providing an email address is also required for external library users; otherwise, a library card cannot be issued.
- Please also make sure that your current mailing address is on file in the IdM system.
1. Electronic resources (databases, e-books, e-journals, e-newspapers)
June 22 – August 10
No new electronic resources will be acquired during this period.
Access to existing electronic resources will remain available throughout the transition.
2. Physical media (print media, audiovisual media, other non-book materials)
2.1 Acquisitions
June 1 – August 10
No new physical media will be acquired during this period.
2.2 Requests, borrowing and returns
July 24 – August 3
Physical media may not be requested or reserved via the catalog during this period.
Please obtain any media you need in advance.
July 27 – August 3
No pickup, checkout, or renewal of physical media; no access to library accounts.
Please pick up your physical media well in advance of July 27 and note our regular opening hours.
July 27 – August 3
Physical media may be returned; receipts will not be issued.
Please return your borrowed physical media before or after this period if possible.
The library system will be configured so that no items are due during this period.
July 27 – August 3
No new library cards will be issued.
2.3 Interlibrary loan
June 22 – July 17
Interlibrary loan items will be provided via a separate process only for FAU members. Therefore, these items will no longer appear in your library account once they arrive; pickup and due-date information will be sent exclusively by email.
Unfortunately, interlibrary loan requests cannot be placed by external library users during this time period and will not be possible until August 4.
July 18 – August 3
No new interlibrary loan requests.
Please obtain any interlibrary loan materials you need in advance.
2.4 FAUdok document delivery service
July 27 – August 3
No new FAUdok requests.
You may still pickup or download existing FAUdok orders.
3. Fee payment
July 27 – August 3
Fees cannot be paid during this period.
New catalog “VuFind”
Before the migration to FOLIO, the current library catalog had been replaced by the VuFind discovery system. VuFind offers a new user interface and extended search options (including beyond FAU’s holdings). VuFind was launched on April 28, 2026.