FAQs

This page has a list of frequently asked questions about the new Alma library management system and the transitional phase. New ones are being added all the time.

General

Can I get an overview of all the changes taking place during the transitional phase?

We have put together two overviews and are updating them continuously so that you can plan around restrictions and changes in good time.

Workstations

Can I still use workstations?

The workstations in the Main Library and the MNL Branch Library will remain open throughout and will not be subject to any restrictions.

Can I still reserve workstations during the transitional phase?

The system for booking workstations will continue to be available during the transitional phase. They can be reserved as usual.

Borrowing and returning items

Can I also reserve items during the transition?

Reservations can be made on the old system until July 30, 2023. You will not be able to reserve any items between July 31 and August 13, 2023. All existing reservations will be transferred over to the new system.

The new bonnus search portal will be available from August 14, 2023 with all features restored.

What should I do if I urgently need a book with a borrowing period that runs until September 4?

Use the reservation option if you need an item urgently. The person who currently has it on loan will be notified that it has been reserved and the borrowing period has been shortened.

However, please note that the borrowing period granted to the current borrower may still be very long, even after being shortened, due to the suspension of borrowing periods.

If your need is urgent, email leihstelle@ulb.uni-bonn.de and staff in the Loan Department will contact the current borrower and ask them to return the item.

I’ve had an email telling me to extend the borrowing period for a book. According to my account, however, the borrowing period for my book doesn’t end until September 4 as it is. Is that a mistake?

You can ignore this email. The ends of the borrowing periods that you can see in your library account in bonnus are correct.

Can I return books whose borrowing period ends on September 4 earlier despite the switchover of the systems?

Yes. If you have any items that you no longer need, you can return them earlier. However, please note that you will not be able to do so from August 3 to 13, 2023.

Library cards

Can I request and/or collect a library card during the transitional phase?

The online forms for requesting library cards will be deactivated from July 31 to August 13, 2023. During this time, you will not be able to request a new library card or pick up one you have already ordered.

The online forms will be reactivated on August 14, at which point you will also be able to collect library cards again.

Can I renew my library card during the transitional phase?

The online forms for renewing library cards will likewise be deactivated from August 3 to 13, 2023 and made available again from August 14 onward.

N.B.

You will not need a valid library card to book workstations while library cards cannot be renewed.

bonnus search portal

Where can I export my lists of favorites from bonnus to?

Saved lists of favorites will not be transferred over to the new bonnus search portal. If you need them, you will have to export them by August 13, 2023.

You can find instructions on doing so and important information about the export process in the guide to exporting lists of favorites.

Interlibrary loan service

When will the interlibrary loan service for books and book chapters be suspended?

You will not be able to order books or book chapters via the interlibrary loan service between June 5 and (provisionally) August 14, 2023.

Will interlibrary loans of articles be available throughout?

Orders for articles can still be placed and will be free of charge between June 5 and August 14, 2023.

What are the alternatives to the USL’s interlibrary loan service?

You can register with a local library and use its interlibrary loan service. We have put together an overview and some recommendations in our news update on alternatives to interlibrary loans of books and book chapters at the USL.

Contact

Please feel free to email any questions or comments about the new Alma library management system to alma@ulb.uni-bonn.de.