Borrowing and Returning

Borrowing

All books in the Campus Nord Branch Library can be borrowed. Journals as well as items belonging to the old stock cannot be borrowed, they can only be read in the library. You can scan individual articles and book chapters free of charge.

HU students can use their physical Campuscard or digital student ID in the Campuscard app to borrow items. To do this, a personal PIN is required, which you can create yourself in your library account.

HU employees and external users receive a separate library card when they register, which, together with their personal PIN, is required to borrow items.

Loan Period and Renewals

The regular loan period for books is 28 days. Unless the book has been reserved, the loan period can be extended to up to 182 days. Different loan periods apply to certain user groups. An overview of all loan periods and loan status can be found here.

Items marked as ‘Tagesausleihe’ (day loan) are excluded from this rule and can only be borrowed until the following day.

Returns and Re-lending

Items can be returned using the return machine in the foyer of the Campus Nord Branch Library. Here, books from the Campus Nord Branch Library or other library branches of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin can be returned and borrowed again if necessary. Conversely, it is possible to return books from the Campus Nord Branch Library at other library branches or borrow them again. The only exception is the Law Branch Library, which does not offer this service.

To re-lend items at the machine, you need your valid Campuscard or library card. No Campuscard/Library card is required for returns.

Fees and Payment

Fees may apply for overdue loans, interlibrary loan orders, or the loss of Library cards or media.

Fees can be paid at the Campus Nord Branch Library using your Mensacard or the payment function on your Campuscard at the self-service machines, or with cash card at the information desk.

 Please note: We cannot accept cash payments! 

Ordering Items from the Closed Stacks

Items from the closed stacks can be ordered via the Primus digital catalogue. The following conditions apply:

• Items from the library are usually available within one working day, items from the external closed stacks within four working days.
• You will receive an email notification when the requested item is ready for you.
  
• Once available, the item is on hold for seven days to be borrowed or used on site. Once borrowed, the usual loan periods apply. 
  

Borrowable Holdings

Items that have been made available can be found on the collection shelf on the ground floor of the library.

Non-borrowable Holdings

Items that cannot be borrowed are available for use on site. Once you have received a confirmation email, please contact our colleagues at the information desk.

The Rare and Old Book Collections

Some items from the old stock (e.g. all media published before 1850) can only be viewed under supervision. If you are interested, please contact campusnord@ub.hu-berlin.de or the information desk.