Implementation of a New Library Management System
The University Library is migrating to a new library management system, FOLIO, on August 4, 2026. FOLIO (an acronym for “The Future of Libraries is Open”) is a modern open source platform that will handle all central library processes including circulation, acquisitions, interlibrary loans, statistics and metadata management.
As part of the FOLIO migration, various organizational and technical steps are required, which may lead to temporary service restrictions. Please be assured that we are making our best efforts to keep these to a minimum.
Important information:
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. Print materials
2.1 Acquisitions
June 1 – August 10
No new print materials will be acquired during this period.
2.2 Requests, borrowing and returns
July 24 – August 3
Print materials may not be requested or reserved via the catalog during this period.
Please obtain any materials you need in advance.
July 27 – August 3
No pickup or checkout of requested or reserved print materials; no access to library accounts.
Please pick up your print materials by July 26 at the latest.
July 27 – August 3
Print materials may be returned; receipts will not be issued.
Please return your borrowed print materials 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
April 10 – June 21
Shortened loan periods: borrowing until June 5; For reference only in the reading room until June 21.
June 6 – June 21
Interlibrary loan items from other libraries may be used in the reading room only.
June 22 – July 17
Interlibrary loan items for FAU members will be provided via a separate process. These items will no longer appear in your library account; pickup and due-date information will be sent by email.
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 will be replaced by the VuFind discovery system. VuFind offers a new user interface and extended search options (including beyond FAU’s holdings). The introduction of VuFind is scheduled for the end of April.
Please note that wishlists created by users in the current catalog unfortunately cannot be migrated. These must therefore be exported in advance (by April 27, 2026, at the latest).
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.