News

For the past year, the university library has been strengthening communication among its 55 employees in four departments with a new knowledge management format. Once a month, colleagues get together to share best practices and experiences: from dealing with electronic resources and research data management to health issues and insights into apprentices´ stays abroad. In line with the principle of ‘by employees for employees’, cross-departmental collaboration and joint development are actively promoted. The library is thus developing not only as a place of learning for students, but also as a learning organisation within its own walls.

The university library is more vibrant than ever: by the end of February 2026, it had already welcomed over 110.000 visitors. The busiest day so far was 10th of February 2026, with 3.545 users. So, anyone who thinks this is just a place for paper has clearly not been here for a long time. Ideas are born in state-of-the-art rooms, projects grow on swings, and thoughts mature through exchange. The former storage space has long since become a place for thinking, a favourite spot and a meeting place all at once. After a thorough spring clean with numerous small modernisations in March 2026, it is ready to be embraced by even more enthusiasts as the ‘place to be’ just in time for the start of the semester.

A new exhibition has opened at the University Library. “Schwimm Kultur” shows how (international) students can be supported in learning to swim whilst also helping them settle into everyday student life. Through insights into training sessions, personal stories and artistic works, one thing becomes clear: it is not “just” about swimming – the project fosters encounters, community and integration. Beyond the poolside, events on a wide range of topics are offered to the ever-growing community. The exhibition invites visitors to take a look behind the scenes, shift their perspectives and rediscover the power of connection and solidarity.

True to the motto ‘what is created here should be seen’, the University Library now offers you space to put your visions in the spotlight. A curated exhibition area is looking for people who want to make their research, projects or perspectives visible. Student initiatives are also welcome, as are contributions on current topics, interesting hobbies and talents. The aim is to provide insights, facilitate encounters and empower people with the topics close to their hearts. Whether creative, personal or scientific - the exhibition thrives on diversity. If you are interested, please contact Carina Kröber (carina.kroeber@ovgu.de) for further information.

New year, new resolutions – and new energy in the university library! Two smart ‘bike desks’ are now available to our users, combining a desk and a bicycle in a creative way that connects leg movement and reading. You can pedal away while you work. The best part is that the energy generated is converted directly into electricity and can be used, for example, to charge your mobile phone. This is a sustainable use of muscle power. Especially at the beginning of the year, when more exercise is on almost everyone's list of resolutions, the bikes offer an ideal opportunity to integrate sporting goals into everyday university life. Increasing concentration, doing something for your health and generating electricity at the same time – that's what an active start to the new year feels like.

Magdeburg University Library is offering new workshops and self-study courses for students who want to make their academic work more efficient. Discover AI-supported literature research with Undermind and ORKG Ask, get free access to DIN and VDI standards via Nautos, and learn how to use Citavi, Zotero and Word professionally. In addition, the interactive citation guide helps you to cite texts and images correctly. All offers are open to students from all faculties.

Find out more and register now:  Alle Kurse | E-Learning OvGU

Questions? ub.service@ovgu.de

As the year draws to a close, the University Library is significantly expanding its digital offerings for a licensing period of one year each: Starting 1st November 2025, numerous titles from Kohlhammer Publishing will be available, including literature in health, law, and social sciences. Beginning 1st December 2025, Wiley Publishing will enrich the portfolio with high-quality content from the humanities and natural sciences, medicine, and technology. To start the new year perfectly, the entire UTB Scholar catalog will be accessible from 1st January 2026, featuring comprehensive scholarly literature ranging from didactics and education to psychology and economics. Discover these new worlds of knowledge conveniently over the university's Wi-Fi network.

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.