Library | FAQ

In addition to "Library from A-Z", here you will find more detailed explanations on selected library topics.


The information includes the most frequently asked questions about the library's services.

Available FAQ pages: "Library | FAQ" ; For the site "Library IT Services | FAQ" the translation is in progress. The page will be available soon.

The library

Since September 2015, the ZU library is located at the ZF Campus (Fallenbrunnen 3). The last move took place in the period from August 17, 2015 to September 07, 2015 and brought the library from SeeCampus (SMH) to the ZF Campus.
As an information and competence center, the library is a contact point for internal and external interested parties. The use of the library is basically open to all guests.

Old building and new building:
The library premises combine parts of the old and new building. The side rooms, as well as the long corridor in the back of the library, belong to the old building (barracks) and are directly connected to the inner core of the library, which belongs to the new building. In some places you can see the former outer wall of the building and in the long corridor, which belongs to the old building, you can look through windows into a corridor of the old building behind it.
(Photos: ZU/Lena Reiner)

Art installation in the library:
In the library, in the shelf area A-L, the art installation "Intertext" by the artist Christof Salzmann is exhibited. An informational text about the artwork can be found on the outside of the beginning shelf of the signature group "AA-AK".

Seven light boxes are placed on different shelves, directly between the books of the library and present the weight of knowledge. Photographs each show a group of books from the library's collection, lined up on a scale, revealing the weight of those books. The titles of the books, read from the light boxes, also combine to create poetic texts.

(Photo series: FUZZY-SPACE/Installation by Christof Salzmann)

The most frequently asked questions and answers:

  1. Does the library have several floors?
  2. Is the library located at SMH and FAB 3?
  3. What happened to the former rooms of the library?


  1. The library is located exclusively on the ground floor (EG) of the ZF Campus. The so-called "in-between rooms" ("Zwischenräume"), i.e. open spaces between the lecture halls, form a supplement to the library as group workstations without really belonging to the library.
  2. The library is located at the ZF Campus in the Fallenbrunnen.
  3. The former library rooms at the SMH now provide space for the "PioneerPort" start-up center

Site plan

Lineup of Media | Signature | Systematics

Media classification / systematics:
The media are arranged subject-systematically, so that content-related books are predominantly placed next to each other. The thematic focus of a medium is taken into account. The library of ZU uses the Regensburg Union Classification (RVK) as a classification system.

RVK:
RVK stands for "Regensburger Verbundklassifikation" / "Regensburg Union Classification". It is a classification system for the subject indexing of holdings in academic libraries. Numerous libraries use the RVK or create classifications based on the RVK. It ensures that media with related content are grouped together on the shelf.

RVK Online

The RVK Online offers an overview and a direct view of the classifications.

Lineup of media - implementation:


Signature:
Signatures are formed based on the RVK. The signatures identify the content and location of a medium in the library. They are listed in the catalog and indicated on the spine labels of the books. The media are sorted by signatures and placed on the library shelves in a freely accessible way. The sorting is alphanumeric.


A signature is composed as follows:

Example of a signature: AP 15400 M947 G8(14)

[1] AP 15400 [2] M947 [3] G8 [4] (14) [5]-DVD

  1. Notation / position within the shelf classification
  2. Encrypted last name of the first author (or similar)
  3. Encrypted title of the original (Optional)
  4. Year, edition, copy and or volume count (Optional)
  5. Additions such as "-DVD" (Optional)


The endings from point 4 of the example signature have the following meaning:

  • Year: ".9XX" / ".XXXX" Year specification. The year specification indicates a relevant year (annual report), but can also be used as an alternative to the circulation or volume count. For "19XX", the "1" is omitted. From 2000 on, the year is written out in full
  • Edition: "(X)" edition count for different editions of a title (e.g. 14th edition = (14));
  • Copy: "+X" copy count for multiple media of a title in the identical edition (e.g. second copy = +2).
  • Volume: "-X" volume count for several volumes that belong together (e.g. volume 1 = -1, volume 2 = -2).

German and English editions can be placed under different signatures, but are usually placed directly next to each other. Often the signatures differ in point 3, since here either the spellings deviate or this is faked.

Note: Please note special locations of media. Media are not always located under their signature on the regular shelf.

The most frequently asked questions and answers:

  1. Another systematics location would be a better fit. Is it possible to communicate this?
  2. Can different editions of a book be in different systematic places?
  3. Does the edition of a medium make a difference?
  4. Are signatures unique?
  5. Are signatures permanent?
  6. Why are there different editions on a catalog title record?


  1. If you have found an item that you think belongs in a different classification location, feel free to contact the library team.
  2. In rare cases, this is possible. For example, if a book with many copies is part of the collection and covers more than one subject area, a double assignment may be made in exceptional cases.
  3. Yes and No. A new edition can be an identical reprint, but it can also be an edition with changes. What "meaning" an edition designation has in a particular case must be examined individually. Generally, a newer edition (higher number) is considered to be presumably better, since it may have been revised. Exact information about the edition at hand can usually be found on the back of the main title page or also near an imprint.
  4. The respective copy signatures are uniquely assigned to identify exactly one particular copy from the holdings in each case. Duplicate copy signatures should not occur and will be corrected as soon as they become known.
  5. As a rule, signatures are permanently assigned and do not change. Exceptions, however, are adjustments to the systematic or individual corrections. The term "permanent" is therefore inapplicable, even though this will usually be the case.
  6. [Simplified] If an edition is a reprint, it is associated with the earliest matching record, since there is no significant difference. The library will make this known via the shelfmark if it seems necessary. A "really" new edition gets its own record and therefore its own hit in the online catalog.

Locations | Special Locations

Locations:


A-L:

Left side of library: ethnic studies, college and university studies, classical archaeology, art history, media and communication studies, musicology, reference works, education, philosophy, linguistics and literature, theology and religious studies, science studies and organization.


M-N:

[Back aisle of the library]: history, political science, sociology


P-Q:

[Right side of the library]: general business administration, law, economic theory, economics


R-Z:

[Right side of library]: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Computer Science, Mathematics, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Pharmacy, Physics, Physical Education, Engineering.

Site plan

The media arrangement is divided into the listed areas.
A more detailed division can be found on the shelves, at the service desk of the library, or via the digital site plans.

Special locations:

Theses BA | MA ("Abschlussarbeiten"): The theses are located on the right side of the library, in the small cabinets in front of the right reading room. Older volumes can be requested from the library team, as they are stored in the magazine.


AV-media (DVD, CDs, MCs, VHS): AV media are located on the right side of the library, in the adjacent passage room of the signature area "R-Z". MCs and VHS can be requested from the library staff, as they are located in the magazine.


Dissertations (ZU) und Habilitation theses (ZU): The media are located in the entrance area of the library, on the shelves directly after the entrance door on the left against the wall in the right shelf area. If available, additional copies are in the regular library collection. Dissertations and postdoctoral theses from other institutions can be found in the regular holdings.


Lecturer Shelf: The media are located in the entrance area of the library, on the shelves directly after the entrance door on the left wall in the left shelf area. If available, additional copies are located in the regular library collection.


Handapparate (Media on permanent loan to Staff Members):
Handapparate (reference books) are not part of the library collection, but are listed in the library catalog. The media of the handbooks "belong" to the chairs / departments and are placed in the offices or secretariats.


Humboldt Project: The media of the projects are not located separately. Project books known to us can be researched using the keyword search with "Studentische Forschung" (which translates as "Student Research"; You can only search for the German keyword).


"Masterapparat" [Master collections]: The master reference holds are located on the right side of the library, in the master study room and, if applicable, in the room for master thesis research. Go through the passage room of the signature area "R-Z" and then through the research workroom into the master workroom. If necessary, the media are located in the upper work compartments on the table.


New acquisitions shelf: The new acquisitions shelf is located on the right side of the library, between the service desk and the right reading room.


Fromm Collection (KSG): The media are located directly opposite the new acquisitions shelf.


Semester Reserved Collection: The semester reserved collections are located on the left side of the library in the room "Semester reserved collections | Printer room". In the entrance area of the library, go around the slight bend to the left and then straight ahead.


Journals (boxes, magazine): Current journals are located in the entrance area of the library directly to the left of the middle reading room. In the journal boxes you will find the journal issues of the current year. Older volumes can be requested from the library team, as they are stored in the magazine.


Newspapers: Current issues, as well as issues from a few weeks back, can be found in the newspaper rack across from the service counter. Issues from previous months can be found in the research workroom. The research workroom is located on the right side of the library. Go through the passageway room of the "R-Z" signature area to then enter the research workroom. The newspapers are located in the middle shelf just after the door on the right.

Special locations are displayed in the online catalog, at the location display, or in the full view of a match.

Library account

A library account is available to all students and all members of the ZU (if they are employed accordingly). Your library account has been automatically created for you. The respective library account is an independent account, which is only used in the service offer of the library.


You can also use the ZU library as an external user.
On-site use is possible without a library account.

IT-Services Library | FAQ

Information about online functions of the library account can be obtained at the library service desk and in the FAQ of the library IT services.

If you are interested, please feel free to contact the library team.

Lost your student ID

If necessary, have your library account blocked until the whereabouts have been clarified.

Lending | Reservation

Borrowing:

How are items borrowed from the library?

  1. You take a borrowable item from a shelf.
  2. Present the desired media at the service desk for borrowing. ZU members also have the option of borrowing items themselves at the self-checkout device.
  3. If you notice any damage to the item, please inform the library team directly so that this can be noted.
  4. If the loan is successful, you will receive a loan receipt on which you will find the media and loan periods listed. Your loan is now recorded in your library account.

You will need a valid library account and your student or staff ID card, or other identification document (external users). All reference media are excluded from the loan.

Loan period: 21 days

Max. Extensions: 7x21days

Lost your student ID?

If necessary, have your library account blocked until its whereabouts have been clarified.

Pick-up permission:

  • Do media need to be picked up in person or can a person picking up/borrowing media be designated?

You can authorize a person to pick up media. To do this, you give the person a power of attorney, which you send to the library team by e-mail. Name the person and the media to be picked up. The media will then be charged to your library account and given to the person picking it up. The person picking up the media must show identification when picking up the media.

Reservation:
Reservations can be made for holdings items that are currently on loan or available for checkout. Also stock items that are in the processing or in the delivery process can be reserved.
Reservations cannot be made for available media.


This is how you make a reservation:

  1. Search for the desired title via the online catalog (OPAC).
  2. Switch to the full view at the search hit.
  3. Click on the button "Request/Hold" to make a reservation.
  4. The reservation is now complete

As soon as the desired medium is available for you, you will receive an automatic notification by e-mail. The reservation now changes to the provision or the provided medium. Media that have been made available will be available for pickup at the library's service desk within the specified period.


  • A reservation interrupts the possibility of renewal for borrowers.
  • The loan period existing up to that point (21 days) remains in effect.
  • If the loan period is exceeded, a reminder process is automatically initiated.
  • If you no longer need a reservation, you can delete it in your library account.
  • Unclaimed items will be returned to the collection after the period has expired, provided that no further reservation has been made.

Online-Catalog (OPAC)

The "Reservation" service is free of charge.

The most frequently asked questions and answers: 

  1. The account has reached the maximum number of borrows, now what?
  2. Can the library create holds on request? [Reservation]
  3. Can the library send media?
  4. Can someone borrow using someone else's card?
  5. Can you borrow books from other libraries through ZU?
  6. Can I reserve more than one copy of a medium? [Reservation]
  7. Is it still possible to borrow with a blocked library account?
  8. Does the library team lend and send books for users?
  9. Do weekends and holidays count toward the loan period?


  1. By returning borrowed items, you can make room on your library account again. Exceeding the maximum number of loans is possible only in exceptional cases. Interlibrary loans are an exception. Interlibrary loans can always be borrowed, as they are only available for a limited time.
  2. [Reservation] You can also place a reservation at the service desk, but the library team can only record a specific copy of a medium. Alternatively, see 6.
  3. No, it is generally not possible to send media. The library lends media only via the service desk, directly to a person or sends media via the official interlibrary loan.
  4. Please avoid passing on your student ID card, as the responsibility for actions via the card remains with the actual holder (see pick-up permission).
  5. Interlibrary loan allows you to borrow items from the collections of other libraries. Further information on interlibrary loan 
  6. [Reservation] Independent reservation via the online catalog (OPAC) automatically records all copies on a record (multiple copies; multiple copies of the same book of an edition on the same record). The next available copy will then be made available to you.
  7. As long as your library account is blocked, no borrowing can be done. There are different causes and solutions for account locks, so please contact the library team directly.
  8. No, the library team does not handle external loans for library users. As listed in 3, media shipping is also not available.
  9. Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays (Baden-Württemberg) and other days set by the library do not count towards the loan period. The loan period stored in the library system applies. You can view the valid loan period in your personal online account.

Return | Reminder

Media can be returned during service hours at the service desk of the library. ZU members also have the option of returning items via the return flap on the self-checkout device.


  • Any person can return media from the library.
  • Returns at the service desk during service hours will be charged back directly.
  • Returns via the return box of the self-booking device can only be booked back at the next emptying. The return is not directly terminated by the insertion (important for loan periods). The return is only completed when the library team has processed the return.
  • Only read, but not borrowed? Books that you have not borrowed and have only read on site, for example, can be returned to the service desk.
  • Exceptions may be special loans where special return rules apply, such as only returning books in person during service hours.


Return by mail:
You are welcome to return your borrowed items by mail. As soon as we receive the media, they will be checked and returned. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail as soon as we receive a return. The shipping remains under your own responsibility and any costs incurred will not be covered. The return is not complete until the library team processed the return (important for loan periods).

Damage:
If the library team notices damage to an item, appropriate processing will be initiated if necessary. If possible, report any noticeable damage at the time of check-out. Report new damage caused by you directly when you return the item. 


Loss:
If an item is lost, i.e., the borrower is unable to return the item, a replacement must be made. If a loss occurs, appropriate processing will be initiated.

Is it possible to return books from other libraries?
It is generally not possible to accept items from other libraries that are not part of the ZU Library's collection or interlibrary loan. The library does not assume custody, return or similar for foreign media.

Note: Do not place borrowed media on the service counter or media carts for return.

Reminder
If media are not returned on time, a reminder process is automatically started for each medium. The reminder process is terminated when the medium in question is returned.

If media are returned late, reminder fees will be charged. An overview of the time sequence of reminders and the associated fees can be found in the A-Z overview and in the usage regulations.


  • You will receive reminders by e-mail.
  • Overdue fines will be automatically charged to your library account
  • Reminders are sent before our service hours begin and therefore, if applicable, before our return box is emptied. Please pay attention to the end of your loan period.
  • With the 4th reminder of a dunning process your library account will be blocked.


Pay overdue fees:
Outstanding fees may be paid by student or employee ID card at the library service desk. The student or employee ID card must match the library account. Payment by bank transfer is also possible. In exceptional cases, payment by means of payment available at check-in is possible.

ZU guests please also contact the library team.

Weekends and public holidays:
Weekends and public holidays (Baden-Württemberg) as well as additional days determined by ZU, are automatically taken into account for loan periods. Due dates and reminders should not fall into corresponding periods.

3 days before the expiration of the loan period of a medium borrowed by you, you will receive a reminder by e-mail.

Tip: Check your library account in a timely manner for due dates and outstanding fees.

The most frequently asked questions and answers:

  1. Someone else has returned your book?
  2. A return by mail did not arrive?
  3. A return by mail takes longer?


  1. No personalized restriction will take effect upon return and the return will be made. Make sure that you keep your borrowed books in a safe place. If you still need the book, you may be able to borrow it again or you will have to make a reservation.
  2. Inform the library staff and inquire at the check-in if necessary. Depending on your options, you may continue to renew your borrowing or the library may be able to grant an extension on the loan period. If the item does not arrive, please contact the library team.
  3. Inform the library team. Depending on the possibility, you can continue to renew your borrowings or the library can grant an extension of the loan period if necessary.

Interlibrary loan

Multiple search hits for a title in Interlibrary Loan:
If multiple hits are displayed for a searched title in the "Interlibrary Loan" tab, these are titles from the five German library networks. If available, please select titles from the "K10plus" network. Since the library of Zeppelin University belongs to this network, the interlibrary loan order will probably be delivered faster and more reliably. In principle, however, you can select any network.

Can e-books be ordered via interlibrary loan?
E-books as a whole cannot be ordered via interlibrary loan. Only copies of individual sections of an e-book can be ordered, and only printed copies can be issued. The number of pages per copy order must comply with the requirements of the applicable copyright law.

Can I also receive my ordered copies digitally?
For copyright reasons, copies or articles/essays ordered via interlibrary loan may only be issued in printed form.

Damage to interlibrary loans:
When issuing interlibrary loans, the library records any damage noticed and informs the borrower (e.g., by noting it on the red interlibrary loan receipt). The borrower must check the condition of the media on receipt and report any damage immediately.
If damage is found upon return that was not noted at the time of check-out, the library team will contact the borrower.

Can a borrowed interlibrary loan be returned directly to the library from which the book came?
No. An interlibrary loan is sent from the owning library to an ordering library. The owning library thus briefly turns over the loan and return of the interlibrary loan to the receiving library. Consequently, a borrowed interlibrary loan must be returned to the issuing location where you received the interlibrary loan. An interlibrary loan that you borrow at the ZU Library service desk must also go to the ZU Library service desk for return.


Interlibrary loan charges for faculty members:
Interlibrary loans ordered for chair activities may be charged to the chair budget. For faculty members, interlibrary loan fees will be processed by the library team accordingly on a semi-annual basis.

The ordering party can pay interlibrary loans privately if desired.


Interlibrary loan fees for student research projects:
ZU students may also be eligible for assistance with interlibrary loan costs. Talk to the Student Research Department at an early stage and inform yourself about possible conditions. Interlibrary loans that have already been paid for cannot be subsequently charged.

Catalog Research - ZU Theses: BA - MA

Catalog search | ZU theses:
Using the advanced search of the online catalog (OPAC), it is possible to search specifically for ZU theses. Among other things, the keyword search is used. Alternatively, you can find an index directly at the theses.


Possible keyword combinations:
Select the advanced search in the OPAC and change a field to "keyword". Now enter a keyword / combination and execute the search.
"Abschlussarbeit ZU" - All* ZU Bachelor and Master theses.
"Abschlussarbeit ZU Bachelor" - All* ZU Bachelor final theses.
"Abschlussarbeit ZU Master" - All* ZU Master's Theses


* Released theses and theses documented in the library holdings. Enter without quotation marks.

The field "Author (person)" can be added to search for authors or e.g. for supervisors of a thesis. The person search can be used in addition to keywords or independently, as a separate search.


Example of a search combination: "supervisor" + "Abschlussarbeit ZU".
This combination finds theses for which the corresponding person is listed as supervisor. "Master" or "Bachelor" are still possible as a limitation of the search query.


Signature AL 43600:
Alternatively, all ZU theses can be searched using the first digits of their signature. To do this, change one of the search fields to "Signature" and enter "AL 43600*". The hit list of this search query lists all ZU theses that are recorded in our catalog. Further narrowing of the search is still possible.
Example: "Signature AL 43600*" + "Abschlussarbeit ZU Master".

Unfortunately, a topic or content search that goes beyond the words in the title of the papers is not possible.

To get close to a thematic narrowing, you can search for supervisors of a subject area.

Placement: The theses are located on the right side of the library, in the small cabinets in front of the right reading room.

Older volumes may be requested from the library staff, as they are stored in the archive.

In the catalog, the signature of the theses is displayed. There is a number at the end of each signature. The theses are sorted by number in the cabinets. The numbers are on the spine of the book.

Example:
AL 43600 S255 R5.2018,2 / No. 1007

Theses are part of the reference collection and cannot be borrowed.

Looking for the outstanding bachelor and master theses, among others with Best Thesis Award? You can find them under ZU|würfe of Zeppelin University

The most frequently asked questions and answers:

  1. Are all theses in the library?
  2. A thesis is presented on the ZU website. However, it is not in the library. Can this thesis be consulted?


  1. Not all theses are listed in the library. Some theses have not been released by the author and are therefore not available in the library. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact the Study and Examination Center.
  2. Some theses (e.g. Best-Thesis-Award) may be presented on the ZU website. However, this is independent of the granting of a release for the library. If a final thesis is not shown in the library, it cannot be viewed.

Language and dictionaries

In the stock of the library you can find, among others, language and dictionaries. For books in the field of language there are the following classifications in the library system.


You can find the following languages among the signature areas:

  • Arabic — EL - EP
  • Chinese — EG - EH
  • German — GA - GO
  • English — HC - HU
  • French — ID - IJ
  • Italian — IS - IV
  • Japanese — EI
  • Latin — FS
  • Dutch — GU - GZ
  • [Skandinavien region] — GW
  • Portuguese — IR
  • Russian — KA - KZ
  • Spanish — IM - IP


Semester Reserved Collection Languages:

Some language books have a special location and are placed in the semester reserved collection (see Locations | Special Locations).


Semester Reserved Collection Languages: Arabc, Chinese, English, French, Italian,

Japanese, Russian, Swedish, Spanish


General reference works / encyclopedias — AC - AH


Lending:
All language and dictionaries that are not part of the reference collection can be borrowed. Unfortunately, it is not possible to borrow media that belong to the reference collection. Reference holdings can be recognized by the red dot and the corresponding entry in the catalog.

Tip: Depending on your needs, it may be worthwhile to have your own dictionary, as the library only stocks these as reference material or only in small quantities.


Not found what you are looking for?

Acquisition Requests

Inter-library Loan

Online dictionaries and databases:
In addition to printed works, there are also a variety of databases dealing with language. You can find a selection of databases via our DBIS

Cite Online Catalog (OPAC)

Search via the catalog and select a desired search hit. Go to the full display of this hit. In the view you will find the item "Export" in the right menu bar. Click on "Export" to display a list from which you can download a file for specified citation programs. The following programs are available for selection: BibTeX, Citavi, EndNote, ProCite, RefWorks, Reference Manger, Zotero.


After selection, a separate window opens for saving the file. Save the file on your terminal device and then call it up accordingly with your citation program.

Be sure to check with your supervisors and instructors for current and subject-specific requirements.

Magazines | Journals

Basics | Locations (Magazine)

The term "magazine" refers to a work (printed work) under whose main title individual issues / booklets are usually published on a regular basis. Since the individual issues / booklets appear continuously, they can build on each other in terms of content, but usually contain very individual topics within the subject area of the magazine.
The contents of the issues are not up to date, which is also directly obvious from the way they are published.

Definition magazine / journal

EDS-Journals / Publication Finder

For an overview of all available journal holdings (print and online), visit EDS Journals.

Magazines do not always have to be thin booklets, but sometimes have the thickness of a book. Unlike a book, a magazine does not end with an issue, but usually continues over a longer period. However, even with books, there are journal-like series that have characteristics of journals, and are sometimes even designated as such by the publisher, but for libraries at the latest have often reached a certain transition to the size of a book. Libraries are now free to choose whether to include these works as journals or as journal-type series. Special issues of journals can also be listed as books, even if the remaining issues are listed as journals.
(Photos: ZU/Rolf Hannemann)


The most common publication frequencies for magazines: weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual, irregular.

In practice, magazines are easily recognized by their ISSN (International Standard Serial Number), the main title of the magazine and, in many cases, the typical shape of the issues.

How are the journals arranged in the library?
In the library you can find all printed current periodicals in the periodical boxes. The arrangement is alphabetical. The journals are placed in compartments where the most recent issue is always visibly presented. The flaps covering the compartments can be opened. Older volumes are located in the library archives. Empty compartments with a QR code on the flap refer to an online edition of a journal.


How can one use the journals? Is it possible to borrow them?
The individual issues can be used continuously and are available as reference stock at any time. Older volumes can be found in the library's archive. Journals are part of the library's reference collection and are generally not available for loan.


Can journals from the archive be consulted?
Journal volumes are brought into the library upon request. Use of archive collections is possible only during service hours and only within the library. Overnight or weekend borrowing is excluded.


Are there only printed journals?
In addition to the licensed printed journals, you can also find numerous licensed journals in the library's online access. You can find further information under EDS-Journals / Publication Finder

The most frequently asked questions and answers:

  1. The latest issue of a magazine is not yet available.
  2. Can magazines be borrowed?

.

  1. While new magazine issues are available directly from retailers, libraries also receive the issues only on the publication date and possibly delayed by delivery. In addition, there are processing times for the receipt of issues.
  2. Journals are part of the library's reference collection and cannot be borrowed. Short-term loans are also not possible. An exception to this rule are special issues, which are regularly held in the collection.

Research

How to find journals in the ZU library:

  1. Call EDS Journals.
  2. Search for a journal using the search function.
  3. Select an appropriate hit.
  4. You are now on the title view of a journal.
  5. Unfold the access display. Digital and printed versions as well as the publication periods are now displayed.
  6. If available, use one of the links to access the journal. If "Access ZU Print" is listed, these are printed issues that you can find in the journal flaps or obtain from the archive upon request.
  7. If you do not find what you are looking for, please feel free to contact the library team or use the interlibrary loan service

How to find journals in other libraries (incl. ZU):

  1. Call up the journal database (ZDB).
  2. Search for a journal using the search function.
  3. Select a suitable hit. Pay attention to digital and printed variants, as well as publication periods.
  4. You are now on the title view of a journal.
  5. Call up the overview of the ownership records. Via the ownership records you will get an overview of the libraries holding the journal and further information.
  6. Inquire at one of the libraries or use the interlibrary loan service

Periodicals Database | Zeitschriftendatenbank (ZDB)

The periodical database "ZDB" is the world's largest database for title and ownership records of serial publications, i.e. journals, newspapers, series and periodicals from all countries and in all languages. The ZDB does not list articles.

The ZDB provides only a property record and thus no direct access to content.

The most frequently asked questions and answers:

  1. The access periods indicated do not correspond to the one requested.
  2. A link does not work?
  3. No journal flap but marked with "Access ZU Print"?
  4. A journal was generally not found.


  1. The library has licensed the specified time periods. Unfortunately, access to different time periods is not possible free of charge. The library team will be happy to check your search and try to find an alternative access. Alternatively, please use interlibrary loan
  2. Please contact the library team directly.
  3. Please contact the library team directly.
  4. Research using regular search engines on the internet to find initial information. Check for any changes to the journal title or search for a publisher's site. If you do not find the journal you are looking for, feel free to contact the library team.

Cite | Impact Factor

Foreign ideas can also be quoted from journals. Foreign ideas, such as data, images or text passages, must be identified (bibliography, source citation). Various citation formats can be output via EDS-Journals.

There may be certain formats or specifications for the corresponding references/source citations. Be sure to ask your supervisors and lecturers about current and subject-specific requirements.

Impact factor (journal impact factor or impact factor):

An average value of the frequency with which articles from a particular scientific journal, from other scientific articles, were cited in other scientific journals, per year.

The impact factor ...

  • is generated for selected scientific journals. (Not all journals worldwide are covered).
  • represents the influence or impact of a scientific journal.
  • enables a bibliometric comparison between listed scientific journals.
  • is used to evaluate scientific publication performance and to select a journal suitable for publication.
  • does not evaluate the quality of a scientific journal/article.
  • should be interpreted with caution. A lower factor is not necessarily a disadvantage.


Impact factors are published centrally through Journal Citation Reports (JCR). For more information, visit clarivate.com


From a practical point of view, the interpretation of the factor is also about the resonance and visibility of the articles and the authors. A publication in a journal without a good impact factor is therefore sometimes seen as wasted potential, even though this may not be the case. In places, the topic can also be compared with the structures of social media networks.

ZU library has not licensed access to JCR!


Data basis & calculation of the impact factor, as well as alternatives:

de.wikipedia.org

forschungsinfo.de

publisso.de

Other

Food | Drink | Ventilation | Heating

Is it allowed to eat in the library?
Eating is generally prohibited in the library. The protection of the library stock and the furnishings are a particular focus here.
Please also keep in mind the general expectation of a clean workspace, as well as allergy sufferers who, for example, should not come into contact with various foods and do not expect to find them in the library.

Is it okay to drink in the library?
Drinking, from closed spill-proof containers, is accommodatingly allowed.
Mugs, cups, and the like, containers that cannot be tightly closed, are not permitted. The contents of such a container are not relevant for this purpose.

Tip: You are also welcome to encourage your fellow students to take a break together in the cafeteria to avoid eating in the library.

Tip: Thermos cups with a tight seal are ideal for coffee and tea and are kinder to the environment than disposable cups.

Can the library adjust the ventilation / temperature?
No, unfortunately the library has no influence on the setting of the ventilation/heating. All systems are controlled centrally. We are happy to share your feedback, but cannot guarantee any adjustments on short notice.

You do have the option of opening the courtyard doors for ventilation. To conserve ventilation, heating, and to protect against weather and atmospheric conditions, the doors should be kept locked or closed in the evenings, at night, and in inclement weather, if applicable. For example, if brief ventilation is desired at night, please feel free to contact the Site Management / Building Services team.

Does it make sense to keep the courtyard doors closed?
Closed doors allow optimal ventilation performance. In cool, more neutral weather, ventilation through the doors is possible and is also done by the library team. In the hot part of the summer, ventilation should only be done in the morning hours or hot air will enter the library. In winter, long ventilation should be avoided in order not to lose too much heat.

Worked long in the library and felt lack of fresh air?

Literature tip: "The Valuable Medicine of the Forest : How nature strengthens body and mind" by Dr. Qing Li ; ISBN: 978-3-499-63401-7

A daily walk in the green does a lot. In Chinese medicine, the forest is considered a remedy for stress and exhaustion.

Work material

The following materials are available in the library:

  • Printers & paper to fill the printers (White ; A4, A3).
  • Research PCs
  • Scanner & supervisory scanner

Available on request, for a short period of use, at the service desk:

  • Staple remover (staple monkey)
  • Ruler, sharpener & eraser
  • Scissors & stapler

Outside the library and available if needed, you will find a binding machine for ring binding. The machine is located in the printer room, in the hallway downstairs between the blue and green stairwells.

We recommend having your own assortment of required work supplies. You are also welcome to borrow a locker for use and store your work materials there.

Tip: Inquire before exams about required materials (pen, calculator, etc.).

Tip: Depending on your needs, it may be worthwhile to have your own dictionary, as the library only stocks these as reference material or only in small quantities.

More information

Do you have any questions?

Was your question not answered? Write us your question, or feel free to contact our service desk directly. Of course, you can also pass on questions to us by e-mail or telephone.

Feedback

In order to be able to offer you the most suitable and comprehensive service possible, we, the library team at ZU, depend on your feedback. Therefore, please write us your impressions, suggestions and wishes regarding the information offered and feel free to give us constructive hints for improvement.

Contact

Zeppelin Universität
Library
Fallenbrunnen 3
88045 Friedrichshafen
Tel +49 7541 6009 1180

Write an email

Time to decide

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