Getting started with using the library

The library is represented at all Ostfalia locations (external link, opens in a new window).

We offer you access to study literature.
Our online catalogue (external link, opens in a new window) contains
- Books
- journals
- e-books
- Articles from journals and anthologies
You can access licensed e-books (external link, opens in a new window), databases (via DBIS) (external link, opens in a new window) and electronic journals (via EZB) (external link, opens in a new window) from home. For this you need the Virtual Private Network (VPN) software (external link, opens in a new window). Information on installing the VPN software can be found in the Computer Centre Wiki (external link, opens in a new window) (external link, opens in a new window).
At all library locations you will find individual and group workstations with and without PCs as well as printers, copiers and scanners.

The Ostfalia Library locations have regular opening hours (external link, opens in a new window) and reduced opening hours (external link, opens in a new window) during the lecture-free period.

No, you are automatically registered and authorised to use the library when you collect your Ostfalia Card.

Non-university members can register on presentation of a valid identity document and for a fee.

You can search for the literature you require in our online catalogue (external link, opens in a new window) (external link, opens in a new window), which you can also do from the comfort of your own home. You can recognise where the book can be found by the information "Location", "Call number" and "Current availability".

The shelfmark indicates the exact location of a book within the library collection. Our floor plans will help you find your way around. You take the book you want from the location yourself and borrow it with your Ostfalia Card at a self-checkout station.

We can send literature to any Ostfalia library location on request. Please send us (external link, opens in a new window) an e-mail stating your library number, the call number of the book and the desired destination library. As soon as the book arrives at the desired location, you will be notified by e-mail and have seven days to collect it.

The lending period is normally four weeks, short-term lendings can be borrowed for one week.
Reference collections can be borrowed overnight or over the weekend.
Current journal issues cannot usually be borrowed, but are available for working on and for copying/scanning.
You can extend the lending period for books up to seven times online, as long as the books are not reserved by another person and you have no outstanding overdue fines.

You log in with the library number on your Ostfalia Card (0916...) and a password of your choice.
Important: When you log in to your library account for the first time, please click on "Request new password" to receive a temporary password by e-mail. After clicking on the link in the e-mail, you can set your own permanent password. Please be sure to use the login link in the e-mail you received from us!

After logging into your library account (external link, opens in a new window), you can select books under the "Lendings" tab and renew them online up to seven times.
Please note that the lending period for books can only be extended if the books have not been reserved by another person and you have no outstanding overdue fines.
You can return books at all Ostfalia library locations.
Book return boxes are available outside opening hours.

Yes, you are welcome to work at our individual and group workstations during our opening hours (external link, opens in a new window).

You are welcome to contact us in person, by e-mail or by telephone. You can find our contact details here (external link, opens in a new window).