Search Tools

DBIS contains both freely accessible databases and those that require a license, all arranged systematically in order. You can use the quick-access function to focus your search on a specific database, while the subject overview gives you a general idea of which databases will be relevant for which subjects.

The integrated traffic light system tells you whether the database in question is free to access, licensed to the University of Bonn or not available.

The electronic periodicals library references electronic periodicals that are free to access and those for which a license is required. If you click on the “Volume available online?” link in bonnus against the name of a periodical that is available electronically, you will automatically be taken to the EZB.

A traffic light system will tell you which years are available.

The periodicals database contains the titles and holdings of periodicals at a large number of German and Austrian libraries. Both printed and electronic editions are referenced.

The holdings of the University of Bonn’s libraries are fed into bonnus from the periodicals database. Running a direct search in the ZDB is thus a good idea particularly if you did not find anything in bonnus and thus in Bonn.

The KVK is a meta-search engine that references several hundred million books and other media in library and book trade catalogues all over the world. Use this search tool if you want to check the details of an item or need proof for an interlibrary loan.

Search tip: you can run targeted searches for texts available in digital form.

Kalliope is the name of both the interregional consortium and the national reference tool for bequests, autographs and publisher’s archives.

The bequests, autographs and modern manuscripts held by the USL Bonn are also added to Kalliope on an ongoing basis.

Looking in bonnus for a work published before 1945 but can’t find it?

Items from the fields of theology (G) and law (I) as well as academic publications (H) and doctoral theses form part of the USL’s unaudited holdings and can currently only be searched for using the old catalogue for the most part.

Find additional specific information on your subject. You can get direct access to specialist databases and electronic periodicals and details of other items held by departmental libraries or other subject-specific institutions in Bonn. 

The team of subject librarians can give you wide-ranging specialist advice on things like literature searches, reference management and requesting the purchase of new items.