Using E-Media
You can make use of several thousand e-periodicals, e-books and databases at any time of day or night and, aside from a couple of exceptions, anywhere on campus. These e-media can be accessed both within the University and from the comfort of your own home. We also hold details of numerous e-media sources that are free to access.
Please observe the legal information on using e-media.
You can use the bonnus search portal to find e-periodicals, e-books and databases for which we hold a license as well as items that are freely available. Read our bonnus information pages to learn more about it.
In the Database Information System (DBIS) and the Electronic Journals Library (Elektronische Zeitschriftenbibliothek, EZB), the different kinds of license for the various e-media are indicated using a traffic-light system.
…from home?
Members of the University of Bonn can use the library’s holdings of licensed e-media off the premises. They access the University network via a personal account (Uni-ID and password), which students are given when they enroll and staff can obtain from University IT.
A VPN client is required in order to access the University network. This free add-on software enables a secure connection between your PC or Internet-enabled mobile device and the University’s data network.
Many databases will also allow you to use Shibboleth and your Uni-ID to verify your identity.
The national licenses are an exception in that they can also be used off-campus by individuals who are not members of the University but have a general research interest.
…at the University?
With a handful of exceptions, all workstations in the departments, institutes and units at the University of Bonn can access the USL’s holdings of licensed e-media.
Your identity will be verified automatically when you connect from your IT workstation within the University network, either by connecting directly (LAN) or using Wi-Fi. In a few cases, you will need to complete the authentication process separately using Shibboleth and your Uni-ID.
Members of the University of Bonn will find detailed information on BONNET (VPN) or eduroam (Wi-Fi) in the University IT documentation provided in Confluence.
…within the USL?
Access is granted to all members of the University of Bonn and library users with a valid library card.
Users who have no connection with the University can only use the licensed e-media on the library’s service PCs under the terms of the relevant contracts.
Members of the University of Bonn community can also access the licensed holdings on their laptop via Wi-Fi.
The USL is in charge of licensing e-media, acting as licensee in the name of the University of Bonn and handling the licensing process. If you wish to suggest licensing of certain e-media through the USL, our subject librarians will be glad to help.
Access to paid-for electronic resources within the University network is enabled under licensing and usage agreements that the USL has concluded with database providers.
The following are strictly prohibited under the terms of all licenses:
- Systematic downloading, i.e. all articles from a volume of periodicals or extensive passages from a book. Users who break this rule will be blocked automatically.
- Passing on or disseminating downloaded documents.
- Disclosing login details.
You should also read our information on using copyrighted documents (currently only available in German).
The use of licensed electronic resources within the University network is governed by specific licensing and usage agreements with the database providers.
Use is generally permitted by
- students and University staff, both within the campus network and—with some exceptions—by logging into the University network from any PC;
- doctoral students, lecturers and other researchers not employed by the University, who may only access the e-media licensed for the University of Bonn via their Uni-ID for their work at the University of Bonn. The licenses expressly do not cover use for other research purposes or for personal, professional or commercial ends; and
- walk-in users, i.e. those with no connection to the University, using the service PCs in the library rooms.
The following are strictly prohibited under the terms of all licenses:
- Systematic downloading from the databases, i.e. all articles from a volume of periodicals or extensive passages from a book
- Passing on or disseminating downloaded documents
- Disclosing login details
Also bear in mind our answers to the question “How can I use e-media?”
CD-ROM databases require the one-time installation of the ICA client. The software is already installed on all service PCs in the main library and the MNL Branch Library and can be downloaded for free from the USL website for all other computers.
You should read our detailed information on installing the ICA client (currently only available in German).
Shibboleth
Shibboleth allows you to prove your identity for licensed databases without having to log into the University network separately.
Linking service
The USL Bonn’s linking service is based on the Alma Link Resolver and will show you the shortest route to the document you are looking for.
National licenses
National licenses enable free access to research. Anyone who is permanently resident in Germany can register.
ICA client
CD-ROM databases require the one-time installation of a piece of software known as an ICA client.
Contact
Support for e-media
If you have any questions about using electronic media, please do not hesitate to contact us.