Coronavirus: FAQs on Current Services

Study/work spaces may be used during opening hours by anybody with a valid TU/UdK library card. Please note that it is not possible to reserve a space. Instead, you are required to check in using your library card or TU Berlin student ID. You will then be issued a basket. If no more baskets are available, then all spaces are occupied. There are no further restrictions for when or for how long you may use study spaces. To help you plan your visit, we recommend you take a look at this overview. 

In addition to the Central Library, you can also use the study spaces in the Architecture and Art Studies Department Library, Physics Department Library, Mathematics Library, the Economics and Management Library (DBWM), and the Library of the Center for Research on Antisemitism (ZfA). Study spaces for the Library of ZfA can be reserved by email.

Please note that you must fulfill one of the following conditions to enter the library (with the exception of the return machines in the lobby of the Central Library):

• Proof of a negative rapid test no more than 24 hours old or negative PCR test no more than 48 hours old. Currently only rapid tests and PCR tests are accepted and not self-tests.

• Testing options at TU Berlin

• Proof of complete vaccination with the final vaccination administered at least 14 days ago

• Proof of recovery from the coronavirus: A positive PCR test result that is at least 28 days and no more than six months old

• Proof of a positive PCR test older than six months as well as at least one vaccination from more than 14 days ago

Central Library opening hours:

• Monday – Friday, 09–24:00; Saturday, 10–24:00.

• Please note the different opening hours of the open stacks for journals (ZFM): Monday – Friday: 09–22:00; Saturday, 10–18:00.

• Please also note that the library will be unstaffed from Monday - Friday after 22:00 and Saturday after 18:00 and that services will be limited.

Available study spaces

• Due to current health regulations, only a limited number of study spaces are available.

• You may only use designated study spaces. Designated computer workstations are also available for use. 

• You are required to wear a mask at all times when visiting the library, including when at your study space.

• It is possible to access resources licensed by TU Berlin using a computer workstation with a Linux sign-in, when connected to the Eduroam WiFi or, in some cases, by using Shibboleth registration. For technical reasons, it is currently not possible for external visitors to use computer workstations. If you would like to use our online resources but do not have access to eduroam, please book a time to use our reference holdings.

• Families can use the parent-child room of the Central Library to work. Please go to the Information Center on the 1st floor. 

• Group work is not permitted. Group study rooms and lounge areas remain closed.

Yes, you need a library card or your TU Berlin student ID. If you do not yet have a library card, please request one using our online form.

Currently, the following exceptions apply to TU students who did not receive their student ID yet and can present a letter of acceptance from the TU Berlin:

• Items from the open access area can be scanned or copied in the Copy Center (within the scope of copyright). Borrowing is not possible.
• A study space can be used for 2 hours. Please make an appointment via the contact form. On site the letter of acceptance and a proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID or a negative test has to be presented. Additionally a documentation of attendance has to be filled out.
• A study space can also be used spontaneously on site after consultation at the information counters on the 1st - 3rd floors, provided that a free space can be assigned, a proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID or a negative test is presented and a documentation of attendance is filled out. 

In the Library of the Center for Research on Antisemitism (ZfA), no library card is required to study in the library. 

As long as you observe distancing regulations, you can use any designated study spaces (table with chairs) in the Central Library. You can also use a study space in TU Berlin’s department and special libraries. Study places for the Library of the Center for Research on Antisemitism (ZfA) can be reserved by email. 

Yes. When you take a break, please note:

• You must check out every time you leave the building, including if only taking a break.
• You must check in every time you enter the library, including after taking a break.
• You must always return your basket before leaving the building.
• You must clear your study space before leaving the building.
• You are no longer permitted to take your basket with you when taking a break.

Here, you can find the hygiene concept for all TU Berlin University Library locations.

• Due to these additional measures, please plan extra time when arriving and leaving the library.

• Thoroughly wash or disinfect your hands after entering the library.

• You are required to use a basket with a color matching your reserved floor while in the library.

• Please observe distancing regulations (at least 1,5 meters) in all areas of the library as well as the distance markers at the Circulation and Information desks.

• You are required to wear a mask at all times when visiting the library, including when at your study space.

Yes, you can use the Copy Center (1st floor of the Central Library) under observation of the hygiene regulations. You can then print from the USB stick using the copy machines. TU members can also print at the computer workstations via print account (print@campus) and from their laptop. Further information: Print from a laptop (option 2)

• Central Library: A reservation for a study space is not required to use the Copy Center. If you would like to top up your printing account in cash or need assistance, staff are available Mon-Sat from 10:00-12:00 and 13:00-16:00. 
• Architecture and Art Studies Department Library: Scanning is possible, printing is not possible at the moment. 
• Physics Department Library: Limited use of devices is possible.
• Mathematics Library: Scanning and printing are possible without a reservation. It is not possible to top up your printing account using your MensaCard (Print@Campus). 
• Economics and Management Library (DBWM): Scanning is possible, printing is not possible at the moment. 
• Library of the Center for Research on Antisemitism (ZfA):  Scanning is possible. Please bring your own usb flash drive.

Yes, please use your own hardware. A limited number of computer workstations are available. However, for hygiene purposes, we ask that you use your own devices if possible. Charging cables, adapters and laptop locks can be borrowed from the information desk.
 

Yes, the self-issue machines located on the ground floor of the Central Library can be used Monday to Friday between 9:00 and 24:00 as well as Saturday between 10:00 and 24:00 to borrow items from floors 1-4. In the Physics Department Library, the Architecture and Art Studies Department Library, the Mathematics Library and the Economics and Management Library (DBWM), books can be taken off the shelf and checked out at the circulation desk.

The Library of the Center for Research on Antisemitism (ZfA) is a reference library; loans are not possible. 

You are required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID, or a negative test if you just wish to borrow items. 

You also require a valid library card or TU student or employee ID to enter any of the libraries. You may also enter the building if you are collecting your new library card. Please bring the confirmation email with you.

The TU Berlin and UdK holdings (Fasanenstraße 88) located in the open access area can be borrowed as long as they are not part of the non-lending collection. Items for loan from the closed stacks must first be requested via the Primo Knowledge Portal. You can also borrow book locker keys from the Circulation Desk on the ground floor at Fasanenstraße from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 22:00 and Saturday, 10:00 to 18:00.

You can take items directly from the shelves in the Architecture and Art Studies Department Library, the Physics Department Library, the Economics and Management Library (DBWM) and Mathematics Library. To minimize your stay in the library, we recommend requesting the items beforehand in the Primo Knowledge Portal.

TU members can also continue to submit scan requests for articles from our print journal holdings or books.

TU and UdK University Libraries in the VOLKSWAGEN-Haus (Fasanenstr. 88):  Monday to Friday 9:00-24:00 and Saturday, 10:00-24:00
Borrowing and returning of book locker keys, pickung up of interlibrary loan orders and audio-visual items: Monday to Friday, 09:00-22:00 and Saturday, 10:00-18:00

Architecture and Art Studies Department Library: Monday to Friday, 11:00-20:00

Physics Department Library: Monday to Friday, 10:00-18:00

Economics and Management Library (DBWM): Monday to Friday, 9:00-21:00 and Saturday, 10:00-16:00

Mathematics Library: Monday to Friday, 9:00-21:00 

Library of the Center for Research on Antisemitism (ZfA) (only on-site use): Monday to Wednesday, 9:30-17:00

Once your order is ready in the for pick-up, you will receive an email explaining how and where to collect your items . You cannot collect your ordered items until you have received this email. Please note that your ordered items are only available for collection for 5 days.

You can renew all loaned items in your library account (sign in with TU or UdK login) as long as they have not been requested by another user and are not an inter-library loan. 

If you do not return an item by the due date, you will be charged in accordance with our fee regulations.

You are required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID, or a negative test if you wish to return items. Exception: You need no proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID, or a negative test when using the return machines in the lobby of the Central Library.
When returning items to TU and UdK University Library at Fasanenstraße, you must use either the self-return machine or the anonymous return box (for AV media and inter-library loans) in the foyer. Items from the department and special libraries may also be returned here or to their holding library. If needed, the self-return machine can print a receipt. You will be issued a receipt via email for items placed in the return box once we have processed your return. Book locker keys must be returned to the Circulation Desk on the ground floor (Monday to Friday, 09:00-22:00 and Saturday, 10:00-18:00). Items can be returned to Fasenenstraße during opening hours. You must present your library card to enter the building. Please note that the opening hours of the department and special libraries may differ.

Alternatively, you can return all items via post. The date we receive the items will be recorded as the date of return. You are liable for any loss or damage (see Section 16 (3) General Regulations of Use). Once we have processed your return, you will be emailed a receipt. If returning items by post, please send them to the following address:

Technische Universität Berlin
Universitätsbibliothek
z.Hd. Leihstelle
Fasanenstr. 88
(im VOLKSWAGEN-Haus)
10623 Berlin

Please note that you must fulfill one of the following conditions to enter the library (with the exception of the return machines in the lobby of the Central Library):

• Proof of a negative rapid test no more than 24 hours old or negative PCR test no more than 48 hours old. Currently only rapid tests and PCR tests are accepted and not self-tests.

• Proof of complete vaccination with the final vaccination administered at least 14 days ago

• Proof of recovery from the coronavirus: A positive PCR test result that is at least 28 days and no more than six months old

• Proof of a positive PCR test older than six months as well as at least one vaccination from more than 14 days ago

You must show your library card to be permitted entrance to the building. You are required to wear a mask at all times when visiting the library, including when at your study space. Please ensure that you keep sufficient distance from others. Sanitizer will be provided. Please do not visit the library if you show symptoms of a cold or feel generally ill. Please also note that for the collection, lending and return of library resources at the joint location of the University Libraries of TU and UdK in the VOLKSWAGEN-Building (Fasanenstr. 88), a maximum of 25 persons may enter the building at the same time. Please plan accordingly.

You report the loss using our online form "Lost a book?". If you have any questions, please contact leihstelle(at)ub.tu-berlin.de.

Please send an email to leihstelle(at)ub.tu-berlin.de.

E-Books and E-Journals

Use our electronic resources such as e-books and e-journals. As a member of TU Berlin, you can also retrieve these from home via VPN Client.

Search for them in the Primo Knowledge Portal. Using the new filter "media type" in the results list, you can quickly access electronic resources.

In our online tutorial "How can I access e-books" we show you how to search for e-books quickly and efficiently.

Free electronic resources

Many publishers have reacted to the coronavirus crisis and are making articles, journals and e-books temporarily available on their platforms. Our Access to Free Electronic Resources  page lists these offers and other free e-resources.

Resources that are not available online

You can request journal articles and chapters from books that are only available in printed form in the Central Library via Electronic Copy Delivery Service. This service is free for all TU members.

For resources not available at TU Central Library, TU staff use our free of charge Express Delivery Service. It also applies to journal articles and scans of book chapters. TU staff can place 50 orders per month.

TU members can also order books and journal articles from other libraries free of charge via interlibrary loan.

Reference materials on site

Users with a valid library card can take reference materials from the shelves in the open access area and view them on site. Please follow the instructions for the use of study/workstations. Reference materials from the closed stacks as well as rare books and interlibrary loans that cannot be borrowed can be viewed on site in the Central Library in justified exceptional cases (e.g. a thesis). Please use our registration form and include which items you would like access to and why. We will contact you to arrange further details and an appointment. At the moment, appointments are offered Monday to Friday from 10 to 16:00.

You can use the reference collections of the Library of the Center for Research on Antisemitism during opening hours after prior registration by email.

You can submit a scan request for journal articles and book chapters which are only available in print in the Central Library, Architecture and Art Studies Library, Physics Department Library, Economics & Management Library, as well as the Mathematics Library. This service is free of charge for all members of TU Berlin.

Items not in stock

Please use our free express document delivery service for items not located in our holdings. You can also use this service for journal articles and book chapters. TU staff can submit 50 requests per month.

Members of TU Berlin can also continue to order books and journal articles from other libraries free of charge using inter-library loan.

In databases you can search for resources independent of the holdings of the TU libraries. Depending on the type of database you will find journal articles, standards, book chapters, books etc. in the form of bibliographic references or electronic full text.

TU members can access licensed databases via a VPN client. Available databases can be found via the Datenbank-Infosystem (DBIS) of the TU Berlin. To find relevant databases, use e.g. the subject overview or choose the "erweiterte Suche" (advanced search) and select "Volltextdatenbanken" (full text databases). 

We recommend that you use the server vpn.tu-berlin.de/full to access the library's online resources. Alternatively, you can access a variety of resources via Shibboleth.

Please write to info(at)ub.tu-berlin.de if you cannot access resources via this server.

On our page Access to Free Electronic Resources you can find a collection of freely available resources, including special offers from publishers and libraries during the Corona crisis.

Books and journal articles that are neither printed nor available online in the holdings of the TU Berlin can be ordered via interlibrary loan. You can also contact us to book a time to use our reference holdings.

All users can fill out a form to suggest books that are not in stock.

Yes, but registration is only possible via our online registration form. 

In general, borrowing items is only possible for TU students once they are enrolled, have received their student ID and their data has been automatically imported into the library system. Even after receiving the student card, there are currently delays in the creation of library accounts.

Currently, the following exceptions apply to TU students who can present a letter of acceptance from the TU Berlin:

• Items from the open access area can be scanned or copied in the Copy Center (within the scope of copyright). Borrowing is not possible.
• A study space can be used for 2 hours. Please make an appointment via the contact form. On site the letter of acceptance and a proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID or a negative test has to be presented. Additionally a documentation of attendance has to be filled out.
• A study space can also be used spontaneously on site after consultation at the information counters on the 1st - 3rd floors, provided that a free space can be assigned, a proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID or a negative test is presented and a documentation of attendance is filled out. 

Please notify the loss of your library card to leihstelle(at)ub.tu-berlin.de. If you would like to have a replacement library card issued, please fill out our registration form. A fee of 5 EUR will be charged for the replacement library card.

Please fill out our registration form for renewal.

If loan periods are exceeded, a reminder will be issued for which a fee will be charged.

Fees can be paid by bank transfer to the following account.

Beneficiary: Technische Universität Berlin
Bank: Berliner Volksbank
IBAN: DE69 1009 0000 8841 0150 03
BIC: BEVODEBB
Please add (important): Zweck 01101 4611 0011 51410000 [and your User ID Number (12 digits, starts with 1690...)]

Please note: It may take one to two weeks until bank transactions are processed and fines are cleared from your library account. Your books will not be automatically renewed by paying your overdue fees.

 In the Mathematics Library cash payment is also possible.

Yes, interlibrary loans are possible. All information on interlibrary loan can be found here.

You can order copies of journal articles and book chapters via the Express Delivery Service. TU staff can place up to 50 orders per month. This service is free of charge. The service is available only for ordering journal articles and book chapters and not for borrowing books.

Yes. For articles from journals and for chapters from books that are only available in printed form in the Central Library, the Architecture and Art Studies Department Library, the Physics Department Library, the Mathematics Library or in the Economics and Management Library (DBWM), TU members can use the free Scanning Request Service. The desired articles will be scanned and made available for download for 14 days.

Please choose one of the 3 publication forms according to § 9 of the Doctoral Regulations of the TU Berlin and then proceed according to the checklists on the website of the University Library's Dissertation Office. After successful publication you will receive a preliminary receipt for presentation in your Faculty Service Center. Please understand that the procedures currently take a little more time.

The Open Access team is working from home and can continue to be reached. Applications for the publication fund will be accepted. However, please expect delays to invoice processing.

You can still access your belongings in your book locker/trolley. You can renew your book locker key as well as borrow items in your library account (TU or UdK login), as long as they have not been requested by another user.

If you do not yet have a book locker key, you can borrow one from the Circulation Desk on the ground floor of the Central Library during the hours listed above. Book trolleys can be borrowed at the Information Desk on the third floor.

Currently we only offer online courses. You can find all current courses and self-learning material under Library Courses & Learning Offers.