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Bochum University Library (UB Bochum) is a partner for RUB researchers, teaching staff and students at the heart of the campus.

One of its central tasks is to ensure the supply of information. The location-independent “24/7” provision of digital media (e-books, e-journals and databases) is becoming increasingly important.

One of the central tasks for the future is to support researchers with a wide range of research-related services and advice. The University Library thus contributes to the visibility of RUB research and to the strategic development of RUB as a whole.

The research-related services include:

We are actively involved in the Open Science AG and are collaborating on the Open Science Strategy of RUB.

The University Library is an important digital player at RUB: numerous digital offerings, services and tools create the basis for the wide range of services.
These include the app „RUB Bib“, modern tools for literature research, a digital 3D guidance system or software tools provided by the university library to support the digital humanities at RUB. Library AI tools are evaluated on an ongoing basis. The first AI-supported software to simplify access to electronic full texts will be implemented shortly.

Another permanent project with a lighthouse character is derived from the Bochum University Library's claim to constantly develop and improve itself as a “third place” with a feel-good character for learning students and academics. RUB students value the university library and its Departmental Libraries IB and IC as multifunctional and comfortable Learning and meeting places. A wide variety of learning landscapes, technically well-equipped, partly fluid group and training rooms for hybrid learning and teaching formats, soundproofed glass think tanks for small group work, comfortable lounge areas, a greening concept with hanging gardens, a café and a furnished south-facing terrace all contribute to this.


We create meeting spaces for bright minds and are a place that promotes knowledge: With almost daily courses and consultations, learning videos and a variety of different advisory services we support students during every phase of their studies in the areas of information literacy, literature management and Data Literacy.
The ZFW invites you to the Writing Café on the first floor of the University Library for advice on writing academic papers.
In our DH-Space a central place of exchange and knowledge for the DH community at RUB, training courses, consultations and design-thinking formats are held on all aspects of digital humanities and the software tools used there.

Through our Library Space in the RUB Makerspace at the O-Werk, we provide entrepreneurs with digital information, combined with a remote consulting service from our specialist staff. In this way, we support the transfer of knowledge between university and business.


Many of our services are also available to citizens of Bochum and the surrounding area. The University Library sees itself as a place of encounter, learning, exchange and social, cultural and digital participation.
With our culture of openness, we promote dialog between academia and urban society, contribute to equal education and equal opportunities with our open learning formats and digital services and support the goals of the UniverCity.
Exhibitions and science-related lectures and events at the University Library promote the transfer of RUB science into society.

Regional, national and international project collaborations and partnerships with creative artists and (library) institutions are part of our internationally oriented perspective.

Visit us, on site or in the digital space. We look forward to seeing you!


Structure and committees

Find out more about the teams at our company here.

Find out more about us in our commemorative and anniversary publications! (in German only)

The annual reports of Bochum University Library can be found here.