Information for first-year students
Welcome to your university adventure!
Your journey begins here – and we’ll be with you every step of the way! We are the University Library: your first point of contact, your compass for your studies, the toolkit for your skills.
We support you every step of the way through your studies – from arriving at the university to researching literature to your (first) assignments and your thesis. Here we have compiled the most important milestones in your studies. You will also find practical tips and an overview of our most important workshops to help you get started quickly, research smartly, and study with ease.
Your milestones, our services
1. Your first UB check-in
Everything’s new? We’ll show you how to quickly find your way around: arrive, navigate, feel at home!
Library Basics: You can’t do anything without the basics and you can get them here! Where is what, how does what work, how do I ask whom? "Library Basics" tells you everything you need to know to get started with the University Library.
To the course "Library Basics"
Guided tour: There are so many paths through the University Library! To help you find your way around, we’ll show you where to find books for your subject, where you can study on your own or with your group, and give you lots of useful tips.
To the guided tours
'Kurzgesagt' seminar "Shibboleth & VPN": Want to research online sources licensed by the University Library from home? No problem! Here we show you how to access the University network from anywhere.
To the 'Kurzgesagt' seminars (in German)
2. Learning to find literature
Your first search for scientific literature – find systematically what you need.
Research Basics: Find more than Google results: How do I find scientific literature and what do I need to bear in mind? We show you where to find what you’re looking for and what’s important when searching for scientific texts – all online, either live or asynchronously.
To the course "Research Basics"
Evaluating reserach results: Is this science or can it be removed? With our tips and tricks, you will know which sources you can use in your term paper.
To the course "Evaluating research results" (in German)
Quick guide to reference management: Save time and hassle and familiarize yourself (now) with a reference management program. Collect and manage everything in one place – no more lost ideas or sources – and let the program help you with citations and creating your bibliography.
Read more about reference management programs
3. First presentation and starting to write
Understanding, writing, and presenting texts – we support you: step by step into academic work.
Kurzgesagt seminar "Writing & Citing": Page numbers starting on page 3, quickly generating a table of contents, transferring saved content from Google Scholar or reference management programs to Word in no time at all – here are some tips to save you time.
To the 'Kurzgesagt' seminars (in German)
UB|SchreibSprints: Panic at the sight of a blank page? Our UB|SchreibSprints, followed by writing advice from colleagues at the Institute for Key Academic Skills (IwiS), will give you the boost you need.
To the UB|SchreibSprints
4. Working with data for the first time
Don’t panic when faced with data: analysis, tools, methods – you can do it!
Data Awareness Rallye: This interactive online course (approx. 25 hours workload, 1 ECTS*) introduces data ethics, everyday traces, and statistics in a playful way across five multimedia levels – perfect for anyone who wants to become more data-conscious in their studies and everyday life.
To the course "Data Awareness Rallye" (in German)
Discover the Data: In this online course (approx. 90 hours workload, 3 ECTS*), you will learn how to research and prepare data and evaluate it using Excel or R – a compact introduction to data analysis.
To the course "Discover the Data" (in German)
Data EDUcation: Online course focusing on economics, politics, and social sciences: Learn how to research, evaluate, and process external numerical data and statistics – ideal for empirical work without your own data collection.
To the course "Data EDUcation" (in German)
5. Term paper 2.0: Level up!
Standards are rising – research systematically and deepen your knowledge.
Kurzgesagt seminars "Search Engines & Databases": Deepen your research with specialized tools: from Google Scholar to databases such as Web of Science or AI-supported search engines – for comprehensive and precise results.
To the 'Kurzgesagt' seminars (in German)
Subject research: We are specially trained for your subject: our subject specialists are very familiar with the academic culture of your field of study. When you need to go into depth –from specialized literature to subject-specific tools – they are your go-to people for a deep dive.
To the overview of our subject specialists
Individual advice: We are many: librarians with in-depth knowledge of catalogs, research, and literature management; with a passion for niche topics such as AI, data analysis, or plagiarism prevention; tool fans who show you how to really use software and apps to your advantage. Are you worried that your question is too specific or complicated? Try us.
How to contact us
6. The final thesis
From the idea to the deadline: we accompany you every step of the way.
UB|SchreibCamp: Feeling like you’re facing the end boss? At the UB|SchreibCamp, you’ll get a week of pure focus, feedback, and writing time: 1 week. Your project. Your time. Workshops, advice, co-working – perfect for bachelor’s or master’s theses.
To the UB|SchreibCamp
No time for the UB|SchreibCamp? Don’t worry: you’ll find everything you need in the regular university library program – from research and literature management to citation and the UB|SchreibSprints. Our university partners will give you tips on time and stress management.
To the library course calendar
Tip! Your study place at the library: Too many distractions at home? Get your own workspace with a locker and rolling container at the LK Library – or secure a 6-month locker at the GW/GSW Library for the exam countdown.
Read more
Your study places
You will always find the right place to study at the University Library! Whether you want to study in peace, relax in an armchair, or use a treadmill to take an active break. You can store your belongings in lockers, reserve your seat with break cards, and some seats can also be reserved online.
Study places in the branch libraries
> Group study areas
> Individual study places
> PC workstations
Learning and study places at the UDE
> Find a study place
> Duisburg campus
> Essen campus
Want to know how to get to us?
> All addresses and opening hours
> Directions
Questions that first-year students ask us
Want to know everything? We also have a very detailed FAQ! In our A-Z, you will also find lots of information about offers and terms used at the University Library.
Where can I find the University Library?
There are branch libraries ('Fachbibliotheken' in German, or 'FB'). The largest are the GW/GSW Library on the Essen campus and the LK Library on the Duisburg campus. You can look up where to find specific literature in our catalogue ("Primo").
How do I get a library card?
Your student ID card also serves as your library card. To use it, you must register it once – this can be done via Shibboleth using your university ID.
What is the "Bibliotheksschein"?
The 'Bibliotheksschein' ('Bib-Schein') shows that you are able to use the University Library and have acquired basic and subject-specific research skills. You will receive it once you have successfully completed three course components (Library basics, Research basics, subject-specific literature research). Additional modules may be required for certain subjects.
Where can I see which books are available at the University Library, and how do I use the catalog?
All books, journals, and media can be found in the catalogue Primo. If you want to view your library account, renew media, or reserve items, log in with your university ID and password. The location information shows you on which campus a medium is available: "D" = Duisburg, "E" = Essen.
How do I borrow media and how long can I keep it?
You can borrow media at the self-service terminals or at the lending and service desks. The standard borrowing period is 28 days and can be extended up to one year, provided the media has not been reserved. You can see which media you have borrowed and extend the borrowing period at any time via your library account.
Can I print, copy, or scan in the library?
Yes, you can print, copy, and scan in all branch libraries.
Can I bring my laptop to the University Library?
Of course! You can bring your laptop and even connect it to a monitor at some workstations. Public PCs are also available for your use.
Do I have to be quiet in the University Library?
Yes, please remain quiet in the quiet study areas. However, there are also group study rooms and areas where you can talk to your fellow students.
Can I also work for you as as a student assistant (SHK)?
Yes, in many different areas! We are always happy to have student support. When we have vacancies for student assistants, we announce them on our career website or on Instagram.
Do I need to reserve a place to study?
No, just come by and choose where you would like to sit – in a quiet area, in one of the armchairs, or together with your fellow students in an open study area. Some group study rooms can be reserved. You can check online to see if a room is already occupied.
What is a shelfmark
The shelfmark (Signatur in German) shows where a book or journal is located in the library and whether it can be borrowed. Book signatures begin with D or E for the Duisburg or Essen location; odd numbers mean the item can be borrowed, even numbers mean it cannot. You can find signatures on the book itself and online in the catalog.
Can I borrow a book from another campus without having to go there myself?
Yes! That's what our campus delivery service (Campuslieferdienst in German, or CaLD) is for. You can order a book online from another campus and pick it up at your local campus within a few business days.
Are there also courses and workshops in English?
We also offer some courses in English, such as the introductory course "Library Basics".
I saw pay machines in the university library. What do I need them for?
If you forget to renew a borrowed book, lose a locker key, or need to apply for a replacement library card, you will be charged a fee, which you can pay at the pay station. Some services, such as interlibrary loans, are also subject to fees. Otherwise, borrowing and using the University Library is completely free of charge!
Can I also use the services of the University Library from home?
Of course, with the help of Shibboleth and VPN, you can also access our online services such as e-books, electronic journals, and databases from home. Authentication is carried out using your university ID and password.
We are here for you, online and on-site!
We are passionate about helping you succeed in your studies and feel comfortable at our university. For us, there are no stupid questions! Get in touch with us: in person on-site, by phone, by email, or via our social media channels.
On-site Lending and service desks
On the ground floor of the GW/GSW Library in Essen and the LK Library in Duisburg, you can pick up media you have ordered and ask any questions you may have about the University Library.
On-site Information desks
On the first floor of the GW/GSW Library in Essen and the LK Library in Duisburg, you can get expert advice on all aspects of the University Library, information, data, literature, and research.
On-site e-Point
Need technical support? At the e-Point, you can get help with all questions relating to your university ID, university email accounts, and VPN access. In Essen, you will find the e-Point in the GW/GSW Library, and in Duisburg in the LK Library, each on the ground floor.
Online Via email
Send us an email – we’ll take care of your questions!
Give us a call! Via phone
We are also available by phone Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm!
GW/GSW Library:
+49 (0) 201 183 3727
LK Library:
+49 (0) 203 379 2010
Medical Library:
+49 (0) 201 723 3332
