Today’s opening hours: Universitätsbibliothek from 8:00 to 21:00 o’clock  ·   Teilbibliothek Mil from 9:00 to 16:00 o’clock  ·   Teilbibliothek Jura: now closed

Universitätsbibliothek from 8:00 to 21:00 o’clock
All opening hours

Registration and library user regulations

The library may also be used by non-HSU members (aged 18 and over) if there is a scientific interest. 

For this purpose, it is necessary to apply for a free library card on site.

Non-HSU-members require the following to register:

  • A completed application for permission to use the library.
    You can print the application or receive a blank form at the information desk
  • Your ID card or passport
    If you live in Germany and no address is shown on your ID, you will also need an official registration certificate including your place of residence.
  • Minderjährige können den Campus nur in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten betreten.

HSU staff require the following to register:

  • Your library number (on the back of your chip card starting with 0705…)
  • Your employment contract or the term of your employment contract, and
  • Your date of birth and your HSU email address

HSU students do not have to register for library use. Your library accounts will be set up upon enrolment.

User Regulations

of the library of the Helmut Schmidt University / Bundeswehr University Hamburg, dated 7 September 2019

A General Information

The library of the Helmut-Schmidt-Universität/Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg (hereinafter abbreviated as the HSU / UniBw H library or referred to as “the Library”) is a scientific library accessible to the public in accordance with section 2. The HSU / UniBw H library supports science and scientific training.

  1. All members of  HSU / UniBw H are permitted to use the Library.
  2. All members of facilities in the area of responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Defence (FMoD) are permitted to use the Library.
  3. In addition, natural persons – who are 18 or older – and legal entities will be admitted upon request, provided that the purpose of their use complies with the provisions of section 1 sentence 2 and compliance with the applicable library user regulations is guaranteed.
  4. Natural persons must submit their request for admission to the Library directly in the Library. They have to present their military or civilian ID card; people of other nationalities must present their passport and a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung). In justified exceptional cases, the Library may also admit users under the age of 18 if the written consent of a parent is additionally available. Legal entities, companies, authorities, courts of justice, etc. must submit their request in writing. It must include the names of the authorised signatories, be signed by the authorised persons and bear the official seal or company stamp.
  5. Each user must acknowledge the library user regulations when submitting their application, and also already upon entering the Library, and must undertake to comply with the provisions contained therein. When using the HSU / UniBw H data network, the same applies to the provisions of the rules of operation of the data processing centre (RODPC) of HSU / UniBw H, as amended.
    The multifunctional chip card of the members of HSU / UniBw H also serves as a library card. The required personal data will be stored electronically for internal purposes of the Library in accordance with section 3. Any loss of the library card must be reported to the Library immediately.
    If there has been a change in personal data important for the use of the Library, it is mandatory to notify the Library immediately of the changes. Users are liable for damage caused to HSU by misuse of their library card, even if they are not at fault.
  6. The library management may restrict the use due to a lack of space or staff shortages or if other user requirements need to be given priority. This will not concern members of HSU / UniBw H.
  7. The use of the Library is usually free of charge. Any costs and fees (for copying, printing, interlibrary loans, etc.) are listed in the applicable price list of the Library and HSU / UniBw H.
  1. The HSU / UniBw H library is entitled to collect and process personal data for internal purposes of the Library insofar as this is necessary for the lawful performance of its tasks.
  2. The data collected and stored by the Library upon admission for use will be treated in accordance with the provisions of the EU General Data Protection Regulation and the Federal Data Protection Act.
  1. The opening hours of the Library are put on display and specified on the website.
  2. The Library may be closed temporarily for special reasons. Notification of this will be made in due time.
  1. Users must act in such a way that they neither impair the legitimate rights of others nor obstruct library operations. They must follow the instructions of the library staff and the guard personnel of HSU / UniBw H.
  2. Silence must be kept in the public areas of the HSU / UniBw H library. Smoking is prohibited, eating (snacks only) and drinking (only bottles and cups with lids) are permitted. Coats, umbrellas, bags, luggage, etc. have to be deposited in the designated places. Animals are not allowed.
  3. For taking pictures, filming and making audio recordings of any kind, the consent of the library management is required. The library management may prohibit the use of dictation and data processing equipment, mobile phones, etc. or restrict it to a few special workstations.
  4. The media provided as well as other items of the Library (technical equipment, furniture, etc.) must be handled carefully and have to be protected from any damage or soiling. Making entries, underlining, marking and tracing are prohibited and considered to be damage. Users must check the condition and completeness of the borrowed items upon receipt and immediately inform the library staff of any damage. If they fail to do so, the last user must prove that he or she is not responsible for the damage.
  5. Users are liable for damage and losses in accordance with the general provisions of civil law. Library items that have been lost must be replaced in full. HSU members are liable in accordance with Bundeswehr claims regulations.
  6. If the user cannot provide a full replacement within a reasonable period of time, the HSU / UniBw H library is entitled to either obtain another equivalent medium or a reproduction at the user’s expense or may determine an appropriate sum to be paid instead. If applicable, the full amount of the binding costs must be borne by the parties responsible for the damage. In addition, the HSU / UniBw H library has the right to claim compensation for the loss of value incurred.
  1. The HSU / UniBw H library and its sponsor are not liable for the loss of or damage to items brought into the premises. This also applies if the locker facilities provided by the Library are used.
  2. The Library is not liable for damage caused by incorrect, incomplete, omitted or delayed library services. The same applies to damage caused by the use of data carriers, databases or electronic networks.
  3. The HSU / UniBw H library or its sponsor will only be liable in the mentioned cases if there has been a breach of duty through intent or gross negligence.
  1. The University Management exercises domestic authority in the premises of the Library without prejudice to the domiciliary rights of the President. They may entrust other staff of the HSU / UniBw H library or the guard service of HSU / UniBw H with exercising domestic authority.
  2. In all rooms of the Library, users must comply with the official instructions of the library staff working there. The library staff are authorised to request each user of the Library to present their official ID card or the HSU / UniBw H library ID card.
  3. The library staff or the responsible guard service are entitled to carry out checks in case of suspected abuse. Users are obliged to present work documents, bags, etc. carried by them even if they have not explicitly been told to do so.
  4. The HSU / UniBw H library has the right to employ appropriate inspection devices.

B Use of the Library

The stocks of the HSU / UniBw H library are categorised into different media types depending on the intended use and type of medium. When preparing the library card, the HSU / UniBw H library assigns users to a specific user group (see section 12). Loan contingents, loan periods and other authorisations for borrowing are determined by the user group of the borrower in connection with the respective media type. Conditions for access to computer assisted services of the HSU / UniBw H library may depend on the rights of the respective user group.

  1. The premises of the University Library as well as those of its Law Branch Library and its Military Branch Library (“Teilbibliothek Jura” and “Teilbibliothek Mil”) are freely accessible during opening hours. Users may use the stocks and services of the HSU / UniBw H library without special formalities in the premises designated for this purpose, provided they are not subject to restrictive provisions.
  2. Access to the Library may be subject to presentation of a library card.
  3. The holdings of the Special Collections, reference holdings of the Military Branch Library, the first copy of a title in the textbook collection, single issues of journals, trimester-specific reference items/documents and loose-leaf editions may only be looked at on site. Exceptions to this are only possible in accordance with section 11 para 2. For using items from these stocks in other rooms of the HSU / UniBw H library, permission by the responsible library staff is required.
  4. Booking workstations in advance is only possible through the library staff.
  1. All works not subject to the restrictions of section 9 para 3 and section 11 para 1 may be borrowed for use outside the library rooms.
  2. Only properly borrowed media may be taken home from the library by the users.
  3. Only properly borrowed media may be taken home from the library by the users.
  4. The HSU / UniBw H library uses an electronic circulation system. Therefore, borrowing is only possible using a machine-readable, original library card.
  5. Borrowed media may not be passed on to third parties. Transfers to another person’s name are not permitted.
  6. Borrowed media must always be returned before periods of absence expected to exceed the end of the loan period.
  7. The number of borrowed items can be limited for official reasons.
  8. The borrowing process is completed as soon as the loan has been recorded in the circulating system. From that time until the return of the borrowed items, borrowers will be liable to the HSU / UniBw H library for all media borrowed with the library card even if no fault can be proven.
  9. If borrowed media are returned by mail, they must be properly packaged and returned observing adequate postal precautions to avoid any damage. The borrower is liable for any damage and loss.
  10. Media that have been ordered and reserved will be stored for seven opening days.
  1. The following items are generally exempt from being borrowed and can thus only be used in the premises of the HSU / UniBw H libary:
    a) reference holdings of the Military Branch Library as well as reference works of the University Library marked accordingly
    b) volumes of the textbook collection available from the HSU / UniBw H library marked accordingly
    c) single issues of journals
    d) loose-leaf editions and unbound works
    e) works of special value or with valuable illustrations and maps as well as media from the Special Collections worthy of protection for reasons of conservation.
    The management responsible for use and information may grant exceptional permits to borrow media in accordance with para 1, letters a to e.
  2. Media which are part of the trimester-specific reference items or other specific reference items of professors may only be borrowed with the permission of the teaching staff who have compiled them.
  3. The HSU / UniBw H library has the right to exclude additional media from borrowing if there is an objective reason.
  4. In addition, the use of certain media will be restricted if required by legal provisions, ordinances or third-party rights. The HSU / UniBw H library is entitled to demand a written declaration on the academic purpose of use, if applicable.
  1. As a rule, the loan period for monographs and media from the textbook collection is 28 days, and for bound journals 3 days. Monographs may only be borrowed for 7 days by the users mentioned in section 2 para 3.
  2. The loan period for monographs granted to professors of HSU / UniBw H is 6 months. This does not apply to media from the textbook collection and for works that have been provided through interlibrary loan.
  3. Members of HSU / UniBw H may keep borrowed monographs beyond the guaranteed loan period without any formal extension, provided the respective item has not been reserved by other persons. This does not apply to journals and media provided through interlibrary loan.
  4. The provisions for the permanent borrowing of items for the specific reference items of professors are regulated by section 15.
  5. The loan period may be extended – with the exception of magazines – unless the respective work is required by somebody else. Users not mentioned in section 12 para 3 must obtain an extension of the loan period before it expires.
  6. The loan period may be extended – with the exception of magazines – unless the respective work is required by somebody else. Users not mentioned in section 12 para 3 must obtain an extension of the loan period before it expires.
  7. The HSU / UniBw H library may reclaim borrowed media before the end of the loan period if they are required for official purposes.
  1. Borrowed media may be reserved. The person who has ordered a library item will be notified as soon as the reserved medium is available.
  2. The HSU / UniBw H library may limit the number of reservations for the same medium and the number of reservations per person.
  3. The HSU / UniBw H library must not provide the name of the person ordering or borrowing an item.
  1. Users must return borrowed media at the end of the loan period at the latest without having been requested to do so. For exceptions, see section 12 para 3.
  2. If users do not comply with the obligation to return borrowed items in accordance with section 12, they will receive a reminder.
  3. A reminder will be considered received if it has been sent to the latest address given even if it has been returned to sender. In this case, the borrower may not borrow further media until having returned the respective medium.
  4. If the reminder has not been successful, administrative enforcement will be conducted to ensure the return of the borrowed item.
  5. The library management may exclude users who do not meet their obligation to return borrowed items in accordance with section 12 from the further use of the HSU / UniBw H library after a prior warning.
  1. The teaching staff of HSU / UniBw H may borrow media to be used for their personal compilation of reference works for an unlimited period and until their end of service. This does not include books from the textbook collection and journals.
  2. Members of the HSU / UniBw H must be granted access to these specific reference items. The person who has selected the reference works is responsible for the borrowed items. If somebody needs to take a book home for further study, it may be lent to them by the HSU / UniBw H library upon arrangement with the university lecturer responsible for the respective compilation. This temporary loan can be processed by the Library.
  3. The specific reference items of teaching staff are not subject to the provisions for borrowing laid down in section 12.

For disenrollment, HSU / UniBw H students are required to ensure their library account has been cleared, which means they have returned all borrowed media or provided a replacement. The provisions of section 5 paras 5 and 6 apply to lost media. This regulation also applies analogously to other HSU members whose employment or period of service at HSU / UniBw H ends.

  1. Media not available at the HSU / UniBw H library which are required for scientific or official purposes may be ordered from external libraries in accordance with the provisions of the regulations on interlibrary loans for German libraries (Leihverkehrsordnung für die deutschen Bibliotheken), as amended, or in accordance with the rules of international interlibrary loans (interlibrary borrowing). Media that cannot be lent out or are not available because they have been borrowed by another user must not be procured externally. In addition, the other restrictions on borrowing laid down in the regulations on interlibrary loans must be observed.
  2. Costs charged by external libraries must be borne by the borrower.
  3. The media procured must be used in accordance with the rules of the external libraries. If the loan period is exceeded, section 14 will apply. Requests for an extension of the loan period and requests for special permits must be submitted to the interlibrary loan office of the HSU / UniBw H library in due time.
  4. The HSU / UniBw H library makes its holdings available to external libraries (interlibrary lending) in accordance with the provisions of the applicable regulations on interlibrary loans and complies with the provisions of the document delivery services it uses.
  1. The HSU / UniBw H library staff provide library-related specialized information within their area of responsibility through the use of the Library’s records, stocks and other information sources they have access to and provide advice as far as their workload and personnel resources allow.
  2. The HSU / UniBw H library does not guarantee that the information given is correct and complete.
  3. The tasks of the HSU / UniBw H library do not include compiling literature and assessing the value of books, manuscripts and other media.
  1. Making or having reproductions made from the Library’s holdings is allowed if it can be guaranteed that there will be no damage.
  2. Users are responsible for complying with provisions of copyright and personal right when reproducing media of all kinds. If the copyright, personal right or other right of a third party has been violated and damages are claimed from the HSU / UniBw H library/its sponsor, the HSU / UniBw H library/its sponsor must be indemnified.
  3. Reproductions from the holdings of the Special Collections may only be made with the consent of the HSU / UniBw H library. The HSU / UniBw H library may refuse or restrict reproduction for conservation reasons.
  4. Reproduction for commercial purposes (e.g. reprints, facsimile editions, postcards) or on a relatively large scale requires a special agreement which also defines adequate consideration.
    The right of reproduction and use may not be transferred to third parties without the permission of the Library.
  1. Anyone who violates the applicable user regulations of the HSU / UniBw H library or otherwise interferes with the proper operation of the HSU / UniBw H library may be temporarily or permanently restricted in their use of the Library or excluded from the use of the Library by its management after a prior warning.
  2. All other obligations the person concerned has towards the HSU / UniBw H library will remain in force in accordance with the library user regulations.

C Final Provisions

A contract for use under public law applies. Private-law agreements may be concluded for special uses.

The library management is entitled to issue implementing regulations to these user regulations.

These user regulations will enter into force after their publication by the University. At the same time, the current user regulations, as amended on 28 February 1987, will cease to apply.