University library
University library (abbreviation FHB ) is the term used at some universities of applied sciences for a library as a central infrastructure facility with a wide range of information and services. Instead, the term library or central library is used at numerous universities of applied sciences . Due to the increasing research activities of the universities of applied sciences, the services are increasingly comparable with those of the university libraries . The libraries at universities of applied sciences have meanwhile developed into an important part of the scientific literature supply and are service providers in the information sector in the university sector.
It procures and makes available printed and electronic media as well as specialist information on all subject areas represented at the University of Applied Sciences and makes them available in accordance with the requirements of research, teaching and studies. It supports and promotes access to scientific information and lifelong learning by generally making its offerings available to all interested users in the region. The size of the stocks is very different.
Main tasks
The main task of a university library is to supply the university members with literature and information. Absolute topicality is paramount when it comes to information needs. With the ongoing increase in practice-related research at universities of applied sciences, more and more special scientific information is required. Knowledge management , information management and imparting information skills (“teaching library”) are also important tasks.
The library is also a place of learning. Therefore, one finds an almost continuous open access and a variety of user work spaces in front (group work rooms, carrels , PC workstations, wireless access).
organization structure
Technical college libraries are demand-oriented information facilities with short business processes, flat hierarchies and a pronounced user orientation. "All-round employees", whose work area is only focused on and the involvement of almost every employee in user-related services are typical for libraries at universities of applied sciences. The intensive cooperation with other libraries, e.g. B. in the EDP area, in joint projects, in acquisition consortia, with the respective library network , in online interlibrary loan, etc. Outsourcing of services is particularly common in acquisitions and in the EDP area.
Range of services
- Media offer tailored to needs
Structure, development and maintenance of the media offer - regardless of the physical form (electronic and conventional information carriers)
Planning for current and future scientific information needs
- Provision of printed and electronic media and information
Complete recording of the holdings in the library catalog (" cataloging ")
Content indexing of the entire inventory according to uniform principles ("subject indexing ")
Clear presentation and listing of the inventory
Offer electronic journals
Offer of databases for scientific literature research
Collecting and listing of university publications
Loan
Interlibrary loan and document delivery services
Individual literature profile services (e.g. Gateway Bavaria)
Quality checked links to worldwide electronic information sources
- Advice and training offers
Information and advice - in person, by telephone and in writing
Introductions to library use and library tours
Introductions to the use of the local library catalog to search for available literature
Library educational events (training) to impart information literacy