Open Library

You can find the current opening hours with details of the Open Library times here:

Locations at Emil-Figge-Str. 44 and Sonnenstraße:

During Open Library hours, all visitors must register at the entrance. This is done by scanning the barcode from the StuDo app or on your FHCard or library card and entering the four-digit PIN, which is also used for the self-checkout kiosks in the library. The door will then open automatically. Please note that you must scan the barcode and enter your PIN every time you re-enter the library! So if you temporarily leave the library while studying, remember to take your smartphone or card with you.

The BibLounge at the Sonnenstraße location closes at the end of service hours and therefore cannot be used during Open Library hours.

Max-Ophüls-Platz location:

Since an automatic door could not be installed at the library entrance at this location due to historic preservation regulations, you must receive a key with a transponder in exchange for your signature from the front desk after service hours. You can use this key to unlock the library. If you are already in the library when service hours end and would like to stay longer, you do not need to pick up a key. Groups of several people need only one key; one person from the group then assumes responsibility by signing for it. After your visit, simply close the door behind you—there is no need to lock it. Return the key at the front desk.

As a rule of thumb, keep in mind: During service hours, trained staff from the Library⁺ team are on site and can offer the full range of services. During Open Library hours, no staff are present. Some services are therefore unavailable. Specifically, these are:

• Counseling and Information
• Payment transactions
• Lending and returning interlibrary loan materials
• Lending and returning laptops and other devices
• Lending and returning DVDs at the Max-Ophüls-Platz location
• Lending materials from the reserve collection
• Registration and Change of Address
• Use of materials from the glass cabinet at the Max-Ophüls-Platz location
• Lending and returning seeds from the seed library

The study and work areas can be used without restriction at any time, and—with the exceptions listed here—all media can be checked out and returned independently at the self-checkout kiosk.

This may happen in some cases. Unfortunately, you will not be able to perform the lending for the item in question right away. Please place it next to the self-checkout machine and leave a note for the staff on paper or send an email to bibfh-dortmundde . You can usually borrow the item you want on the next day the library is open during service hours. Please note that there are no staff on site all day on Saturdays at the Sonnenstraße and Max-Ophüls-Platz locations, so “problem cases” that arise there on a Friday cannot be processed until Monday. Furthermore, emails are answered only Monday through Friday during service hours.

At the Emil-Figge-Str. 44 and Sonnenstraße locations, to open the door, you must scan the barcode in the StuDo app or your FHCard or library card and enter the corresponding PIN. At the Max-Ophüls-Platz location, the key lending system records who visits the library upon signing in. This ensures that only registered users can enter the premises at all locations.

At the Emil-Figge-Str. 44 and Sonnenstraße locations, there are surveillance cameras that are activated after service hours end. During Open Library hours, security staff also conduct regular patrols at all locations.

First-aid kits are freely accessible at all locations. In emergencies, you can call an emergency number, which is clearly posted in several locations throughout the library. Please note that this phone number is intended only for actual emergencies, not for answering questions about library use. The people who answer these calls are not part of the library⁺ team and cannot provide information on library-related matters.

Unstaffed access is a service based on trust. Please behave appropriately while on the premises and be considerate of other visitors.

Please note that the BibLounge at the Sonnenstraße location cannot be used during Open Library hours.