FAQ Service

How can I book a desk?

Desks can be booked on seats.ub.uni-leipzig.de. You’ll need your library membership number and password.

In which libraries can I book a desk?

Desks can be booked in all branches of Leipzig University Library. The only exception is the library at the German Institute for Literature; items from this library can be ordered using the catalogue and collected from Bibliotheca Albertina without prior registration.

How do I know if my booking has been successful?

You’ll receive confirmation in an email containing your booking code.

Why do I need a booking code?

You’ll need to present your booking (either printed or digitally) when you enter the library. You'll need the booking code in case want to cancel a booking.

How can I find the desk I’ve booked?

We’ve produced maps for each library showing desks and booking numbers. They can be found on each branch’s page on our website.

Who is entitled to book a desk?

Desks can be booked by all registered borrowers of Leipzig University Library. More details can be found here.

Can I choose a particular desk?

When booking, desks can be chosen by branch, floor (if applicable), department and fixtures.

Can I cancel a booking if need be?

This can be done very easily on seats.ub.uni-leipzig.de. Go to “Eine Reservierung stornieren” (“Cancel reservation”) and enter the booking code contained in your confirmation email.

I am having problems completing the booking process even though all the details are correct.

Please try another browser. Chrome or Firefox have proven to be optimal.

Do I have to wear a face covering over my nose and mouth in the library?

Under the COVID-19 regulations currently in force throughout Saxony, you must wear a mask in the library, (updated on 29 October 2020) and you also may not take it off when seated at your desk.

Do I have to remain seated at my desk the whole time?

No, you can of course move about, take a break, and go to the toilet. But whenever you leave your desk for any reason, please remember to put on your mask.

I’ve requested materials for use in the reading room. Do I have to book a desk in order to use them even if, for example, I only want to scan something briefly?

Yes, you currently have to book a desk in advance to view items in the reading room. This also applies if you want to view any interlibrary loans which may only be used in the reading room.

May I scan, print or copy items?

Yes, this can be done in all branches. But please comply with social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines.

I require books or a desk in the Law Library. What do I need to do?

Separate rules apply to the Law Library, which can be found here. No exceptions are possible.

Where can I submit printed copies of my dissertation to Bibliotheca Albertina?

Printed copies can be handed in by appointment.

I only want to borrow or return books. Do I still have to book a desk?

No. As before, no booking is necessary if you just need to visit the library briefly in order to borrow or return items, or to scan or copy materials from the open-access areas.

I have the shelf mark of a book I need, but I can’t find it on the shelf. Where is it?

Please check the catalogue to make sure you’re in the right library and the right department – this information is indicated in the catalogue just above the shelf mark. The Campus Library and Medicine and Sciences Library each have a collection of textbooks with some shelf marks that may also be found elsewhere.
If you’re in the right place and the book still seems to be missing, well, perhaps the book has been misplaced and we haven’t noticed yet. Write to info@ub.uni-leipzig.de telling us what book you’re looking for and which library you were in, and we’ll start searching.

What’s my PIN for the self-service terminals?

By default, your PIN is your date of birth in the format DDMM. If you haven’t reset your PIN yet, you can do so in your library account.

I’m a student at Leipzig University and am susceptible to COVID-19 because of a medical condition. How can I obtain the literature I need?

Please write to info@ub.uni-leipzig.de. We’ll work with you to find a solution.

Can I also borrow books from the reference collection?

Yes, this service is still available. You can borrow up to five books from the reference collection for up to a week. Loans from the reference collection can be renewed twice if they have not been recalled.
This does not apply to the reference collection of the Law Library.

Is it possible to borrow from the reference collection in the Law Library?

You can borrow a maximum of 3 books from the reference collection in the Law I and Law II libraries. Borrowing begins two hours before the library closes. The return deadline is 11 am the next day. Loans cannot be renewed. Commentaries, journals and loose-leaf collections cannot be borrowed.

Do I have to return items from the reference collection to the same library where I borrowed them?

No, they can be returned at any (open) branch of Leipzig University Library.

Are requests for interlibrary loans being accepted again?

Yes, interlibrary loans are available again.

I don't have a library card yet and would like one. What do I have to do?

Please sign up online using the forms below. We’ll let you know when and where your library card can be collected.

• Teaching staff, other employees, doctoral students and members of Leipzig University
• External borrowers

Borrowers with library cards from HMT University of Music and Theatre Leipzig and HTWK Leipzig University of Applied Sciences are kindly asked to enquire in person at the service desk.

I've already renewed an item six times – what can I do now?

Items can now be renewed up to ten times (unless they’ve been reserved). Items borrowed from the reference collection can be renewed twice.

Although I’ve returned a book at a self-service terminal, it’s still showing in my account. What should I do?

Please contact info@ub.uni-leipzig.de and tell us the title of the book, the library it’s from, where you returned it, and your library membership number.

I'm not in Leipzig at the moment. Can I return items by post?

Yes, you can. We recommend using registered post as you’re liable for items until they arrive at the library. Please post them to:

Universitätsbibliothek Leipzig

Ausleihe

Beethovenstraße 6

04107 Leipzig