FAQ on current library use

Here are the key answers to your questions about the library's service.

  • When is the library open?
  • How can I access e-books, databases, and journal articles online from home?
  • Are IT tutors on site to help me?
  • Who can help me with technical problems with the VPN or Office keys?
  • My VPN access is not working, what can I do?
  • Can I work together with a group in the library?
  • How to reserve a book trolley/locker again?
  • I do not have a library card, what can I do?
  • My library card/membership is about to expire. What can I do?
  • How can I return my books?
  • I cannot return my books in time, what happens because of the overdue fees?
  • How long can short term loans be borrowed?
  • Can I return media by mail?
  • I would like to order something via interlibrary loan, is that possible?
  • I have ordered books / articles via interlibrary loan, when will they arrive?
  • Where can I pick up interlibrary loans?
  • Can I have someone pick up books for me?
  • Are there any trainings or tours taking place in the near future?
  • I would like to submit the deposit copies of my dissertation, what can I do?

When is the library open?

Please note the current opening hours for the reading room, service desk and information desk.

How can I access e-books, databases, and journal articles online from home?

University members can still access electronic resources (e-books, databases and e-journals) remotely. To do so, you will need the VPN client, as well as your Leuphana account and the corresponding password. When logging in to the VPN client, select access via "Online research" to access the e-resources, the default setting is "Intranet".

Use our literature search engine LUX (https://lux.leuphana.de/vufind/) to search the licensed e-book stock of Leuphana University of Lüneburg.

Information about the VPN client: www.leuphana.de/services/miz/it-dienste/vpn-zugang.html

Are IT tutors on site to help me?

Yes, the IT tutors have an office in the library foyer and can be contacted there during office hours (Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm). In addition, they can be reached via the e-mail address it-tutor@leuphana.de .

Who can help me with technical problems with the VPN or Office keys?

The IT tutors can be reached via the email address it-tutor@leuphana.de or on site in the MIZ foyer Monday - Friday from 10 am - 6 pm. Office keys can be requested. Furthermore, the IT tutors will help with technical questions, such as VPN.

Staff: Please contact it-support@leuphana.de by e-mail.

My VPN access is not working, what can I do?

Please check that you have registered with the correct group. To access our electronic resources, you must select "Online Recherche". If you have already clicked on the link to the full text before connecting to the VPN server, please delete the corresponding cookies in your browser before using the link again. You will find a tutorial in this short video.

If you are still having problems, please send a mail to it-tutor@leuphana.de. The mails will be  answered as soon as possible.

Can I work together with a group in the library?

Yes, group study rooms are available for use on the first floor in the foyer. In the foyer, there are lounge an d on the upper floor you will find chairs and additional seated workstations with power outlets.

How to reserve a book trolley/locker again?

Free objects can be viewed and booked via myStudy.

I do not have a library card, what can I do?

In order to get a user card, please fill out the online registration at home. This is presently not possible in the library. Afterwards you can collect the card at the service point in the library foyer during the opening hours.

My library card/membership is about to expire. What can I do?

To renew your membership or user authorization, go to the service counter in the foyer.

How can I return my books?

Borrowed media can be returned Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 p.m. to 8 p.m. via the return machine in the foyer or the book boxes in the entrance area; the latter are emptied regularly and the media are returned by us.


Additionally, media return can be done anytime via mail, please send media to:
Leuphana University of Lüneburg
University Library - Service Desk
University avenue 1
21335 Lüneburg

The chargeback takes place after receipt.

Shipping from outside Europe is not possible due to customs duties or applicable import sales tax; any fees incurred in this connection will be charged to the sender. Please also note that postal shipping is not insured by the library.

I cannot return my books in time, what happens because of the overdue fees?

The overdue notice process has been back on a normal schedule since the middle of May. If you are unable to return your books in time, please contact us by phone or e-mail (ausleihe@leuphana.de).

How long can short term loans be borrowed?

Short-term loans can be borrowed overnight until the next day. Borrowing is possible from 5 pm at the counter. Items must be returned by 10 a.m. the next day.

On Friday, short loans can be borrowed over the weekend until 10 am the following Monday.

Can I return media by mail?

Yes, borrowed media can also be sent by mail. Please send them to:

Leuphana University of Lüneburg

University Library - Service Desk
University avenue 1
21335 Lüneburg

Chargebacks will be made upon receipt. Shipping from outside Europe is not possible due to customs duties or applicable import sales tax. Please also note that postal shipping is not insured by the library.

I would like to order something via interlibrary loan, is that possible?

Yes, interlibrary loans are possible via the GVK (national database).
Please note that you need an interlibrary loan account with deposited credit at the GVK. You can activate and top up your account at the service desk during our opening hours.

I have ordered books / articles via interlibrary loan, when will they arrive?

Books are usually delivered within 1 - 3 weeks. Articles are delivered faster.

Where can I pick up interlibrary loans?

You can pick up your interlibrary loans during our opening hours at the service counter in the foyer.

Can I have someone pick up books for me?

Yes, for collection please provide a power of attorney stating for whom books are to be collected.

Are there any trainings or tours taking place in the near future?

E-Learning: A list of all Moodle courses and other digital learning opportunities for different target groups is available on this page.
For students in the Leuphana Semester, we offer introductory courses and videos on research skills and library use.
For students: Since there are no guided tours at the moment, there is an online tutorial of the library for students instead.
Individual advice: We answer questions via e-mail (recherche@leuphana.de) about literature research and literature supply. Questions about literature management should be directed to literaturverwaltung@leuphana.de. For complex inquiries, we are also happy to make appointments for individual consultation via Zoom.
Training courses on literature research and literature management: Digital training courses are currently available, usually via Zoom. Dates are usually updated every two months: current dates.
Online courses for Mendeley, Zotero, and Citavi can be found at myStudy (myStudy Event Directory > Additional Offerings (without CPs) > Medien- und Informationszentrum > Literature Management). There is also self-study material that can already be used. This is constantly updated and supplemented. Current information can be found on the literature management page.
Stippvisit: Instructors can get targeted support for their courses. Please note the restrictions that arise in the winter semester due to our offers for the Leuphana Semester. If interested, please email ik-team@leuphana.de.

I would like to submit the deposit copies of my dissertation, what can I do?

For the submission of deposit copies of dissertations please contact: abschlussarbeiten@leuphana.de