Libraries

University Library (UB)

The university's library system consists of the Main University Library, the Central Textbook Collection, 14 large subject libraries and numerous decentralized libraries managed by the individual faculties. Its total inventory amounts to around five million media items (as of December 2018). The vast majority of the library system's collection are listed in the Online Catalog (OPAC, Online Public Access Catalog).

The Main Library is located in the central university building at Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1. However, the entrance to its collection area and book return is in the adjacent red building at Ludwigstraße 27.

Your LMUcard is also your library card. When you set up a new library account you receive a default password, which you must change for security reasons. You can find information on your library account and on how to reset your password on the UB website.

The Bavarian State Library (StaBi)

Your LMUcard also gives you access to the Bavarian State Library (Bayerischen Staatsbibliothek, BSB, or more popularly, StaBi). It is located at Ludwigstraße 16, within a stone's throw of the UB. The StaBi is regarded to be one of the best and largest libraries in Europe.

Similar to the system of the University Library, you can borrow books and media via the Online Catalog. You will find your library number on the back of your LMUcard.

Please note: If you don't have a German registration address when you pick up your LMUcard, you can only use media in the UB or State Library reading rooms. Taking resources off site is not possible.

The Online Catalog and borrowing books

Once you have your LMUcard, you can order, reserve and renew books from the University Library or the Bavarian State Library through their respective electronic online catalogs (OPAC systems).

How can I borrow books?

• The libraries offer several OPAC terminals where you can search for and order books via the Online Catalog. Of course, you can also access each library's OPAC system online through their respective home pages.
• Books are delivered to the libraries' collection areas where you can check them out.

What do I need to bear in mind?

• There are no open magazines at the UB or StaBi. After your order it will take a few days before you can pick up your books. Be sure to order in advance! When your order is confirmed you can see its delivery date in the OPAC.
• If you would like to borrow a book from the Central Textbook Collection, you can drop by, take it off the shelf yourself and loan it out directly. In this case, a prior order via the Online Catalog is not necessary.
• Subject and institute libraries usually have books and journals you can access directly. However, most of these libraries have restricted loan policies. Be sure to check the policies of each library before your visit. In many cases, you can only scan or copy books on site.
• Most libraries do not allow you to bring jackets or backpacks, but instead have lockers which you can use for a deposit of 1 or 2 euros. So, remember to bring some small change.

Electronic media

The UB provides not only printed literature for LMU students, but also an extensive range of electronic media (e-books, e-journals and databases). In order to access them, you must first authenticate yourself by means of your LMU user ID via the e-media login on the UB website. Then you can access e-books and electronic journal articles directly.

The StaBi also provides a wide range of electronic media for your use. In order to use them, you must register in the StaBi Online Catalog with your library number (on the back of your LMUcard).

Training and e-tutorials

The UB offers numerous general and subject-specific training courses demonstrating how to search for literature or use programs for literature administration. For a quick overview while you wait, there are a number of different e-tutorials to help you.