Borrowing

The books and media in the holdings of the University Library of Salzburg (UBS) are generally available for borrowing. Here you will find everything you need to know about borrowing books and other media.

  • What do I need to borrow media?
    A library card is required to borrow books and other media. Teachers, students, and employees of the University of Salzburg do not need to apply for a card, as their service card (teachers and employees) or student ID card also serves as their library card. School pupils and general users can apply for a card by submitting an application.

  • How can I borrow a book?
    In principle, you can order all books that are available for loan via our search engine (UBSearch). You will receive an email notification as soon as the book is ready for collection at the information desk of the respective library.

    – At the main library (magazine collection), only ordering is possible.

    – At the branch libraries (open access collection), you can order books via UBsearch, but you can also take them from the shelves yourself – using the book’s call number displayed in UBsearch, you can determine exactly where the book is located in the library based on the classification system of the respective location.

    – If a book is currently on loan, you can reserve it by placing an order. As soon as it is returned, you will receive a notification email.

    – An ordered or reserved book can only be picked up AFTER RECEIVING THE NOTIFICATION EMAIL.

    – Please note the pickup location of the reserved item and the opening hours of the respective library.

  • Which items can I not borrow?
    The following items can only be used on site and cannot be borrowed:

    – Semester and reference collections
    – Reading room collections (reference collections)
    – Newspapers and unbound journals
    – Loose-leaf collections
    – Books published before 1850
    – Items from the university archives and library collections

  • How long can I borrow books and other media?
    The loan period for all user groups is 30 days.

    The loan period is automatically extended for up to 6 months, provided that the book has not been reserved or the loan period has not yet expired. You can also extend the loan period manually after logging into UBsearch. To do so, use your library account or contact one of our information desks.

    If the loan period has already been exceeded or a book has been reserved by someone else, an extension is no longer possible.

    The maximum loan period is 6 months. However, there is no maximum loan period for academic staff at the University of Salzburg.

  • How and where can I return books?
    You can return borrowed media to any UBS location, regardless of where you borrowed them.

    When returning items, please note the opening hours of the respective location.

    Outside of opening hours, book return boxes are available at the following locations:
    – Main Library Hofstallgasse
    – UNIPARK
    – Rudolfskai
    – Freisaal
    – Toskanatrakt and Firmian-Salm-Haus
    – Alte Residenz

    If returning by mail, please use only the following address:

    Salzburg University Library
    Main Library
    Hofstallgasse 2-4
    5020 Salzburg | Austria

    Please ensure that the shipment is sufficiently stamped (postage costs may be charged to your user account). You are liable for any damage or loss.

  • What happens if I don't return a book on time?
    If you keep media beyond the loan period without renewing them, two things will occur:

    – Overdue fees will be charged per day for each overdue book. In addition, you will receive reminder letters, which will incur additional fees. Please refer to the fee schedule.

    – As soon as a book is overdue on your account, you will no longer be able to renew any books.

  • What should I do if I have lost a book?
    If you have lost a book, please contact the relevant library immediately by email. You can find the contact details here.

  • How can I use the library's e-media?
    – Teachers, students, and staff can access licensed e-media from all PCs connected to the university network. It is also possible to access the media via mobile devices, provided they are connected to the university Wi-Fi (eduroam). In addition, they can also access e-media from home via remote access (VPN).

    – For licensing reasons, school students and general users can only use e-media within the library locations on specially equipped PC workstations.