Welcome to the website of the University Library

From October 20 to 26, 2025, International Open Access Week will explore the question, "Who owns our knowledge?" This year's events provide an excellent opportunity to network globally and engage in current discussions on open access, open science, research data, and research assessment from the comfort of your home in Magdeburg. The program has been organized by institutions and stakeholders from around the world and offers engaging content for everyone, from scientists to librarians. Explore the variety of topics at https://www.openaccessweek.org/events.

After the University Library was transformed on the inside, the exterior also shines in new splendour: the entrance door now adorns a festive look in the university's corporate design, like a familiar seal of community, openness, and knowledge. The logo shines in vivid colours, embedded in a harmonious, modern layout, as if to say, “Welcome, you've come to the right place.” The stands as a promise, the beginning of a journey where thoughts fly, knowledge shines, and curiosity is at home. One small step inside—and a whole world spreads out before you.

As of July 2025 the University Library expands its services by adding the magazine "Spektrum der Wissenschaft" to our digital offers. Dive deep into current research discussions and innovations of science and strengthen your interdisciplinary, academic knowledge. Get access to the PDF versions of the magazine here. 

What happens when Magdeburg's university library and city library pool their experience? Our inspiring workshop shows: a lot of fun and know-how! The exchange focused on the service for our users as well as the well-being of our employees. Insights, tips and practical ideas were shared - all in the spirit of a vibrant library culture. Because those who learn from each other can grow together. This results in an even better service for everyone - and motivating cooperation behind the scenes.

Are you already familiar with our user favourite “Pressreader” which has been available to us fresh from this year? If not, then you're missing out on something fabulous! Over 7,000 of the world's best magazines and newspapers are available to you  - for leisurely browsing in our university library or “to go” on your device. A wide range of topics is covered in various languages, from scientific articles to headlines, lifestyle news and niche topics. There is guaranteed to be something for everyone in this virtual newsstand.

Multilingualism helps us to be more open-minded and considerate, while language barriers often define the boundaries of our own world. We need different languages to communicate our own ideas and understand the complexity of a global society - a universal key to broadening our perspectives. The University Library offers an astonishing variety of media: 142 windows from which to view the world. English has been the dominant language in the collection since the year 2000 and currently accounts for 61.1% (followed by German: 33.6%). The smiles of our users and employees are the same in every language.

In the middle of a balmy spring night, the University Library welcomed more than 210 visitors. An inquisitive audience, which came together with openness and anticipation, was able to choose from 22 program items with 18 experienced speakers. The English-language programs proved to be particularly popular.

While a beautiful sunset gave way to a starry night, 44 guests enjoyed the highlight of the #myOVGUspot photo challenge. Thanks to everyone involved, the library was transformed into an oasis of encounters and knowledge transfer on Friday evening.

After the University Library was transformed on the inside, the exterior also shines in new splendour: the entrance door now adorns a festive look in the university's corporate design, like a familiar seal of community, openness, and knowledge. The logo shines in vivid colours, embedded in a harmonious, modern layout, as if to say, “Welcome, you've come to the right place.” The stands as a promise, the beginning of a journey where thoughts fly, knowledge shines, and curiosity is at home. One small step inside—and a whole world spreads out before you.