The University Library (TUB) of the Hamburg University of Technology has introduced a new flexible access option with the service “Open Library.” Students and other users can now visit the library outside regular staffed hours and use study and workspaces more flexibly. TU President Prof. Andreas Timm-Giel and Library Director Beate Rajski presented the new offer. The president emphasized the importance of the TUB as a central place for learning: “Today, the library has gained a completely new significance as a self-determined place for learning, retreat, focused work, but also for encounters.”
“Open Library for us is a library of openness, representing many of our services for research and teaching, as well as Open Science,” said Director Rajski, “but today Open Library is also a call: Open the library!” The library is now open daily from 7 a.m. in Open Library mode. On weekdays, the Service Point is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and regular opening hours remain Monday to Friday until 9 p.m. On weekends and public holidays, the library is open all day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. This unifies and significantly extends the opening hours.
To be able to use all new library features in the future, there is one more change: a new library card is required, which can be exchanged free of charge at the Service Point. The acquisition of the new cards was financially supported by TUHH alumni and the TUHH Foundation. For the protection of users, the entrance area is video monitored during Open Library times. Recordings are stored for 72 hours; additionally, the data of the library cards are documented for one week.
With the introduction of the Open Library, TU Hamburg is taking an important step toward a modern and needs-oriented learning infrastructure. A future 24/7 opening is currently under review.
Further information at: www.tub.tuhh.de/en/study/open-library/
