Library Card

A library card will not be issued. You need a LoginID to log in to our library system (library account, access to electronic media, interlibrary loan) and to borrow media with the free "RUB Bib" app.

How do you get a LoginID? This varies depending on the user group.

Enrolled students, guest and secondary students at RUB
  • Admission requirements
    Enrolment at the Ruhr-Universität also entitles you to use the university library.

  • Registration
    Not required.

  • Library account
    You can log in to your library account using your RUB LoginID and the corresponding password. The account can also be accessed via the "RUB Bib" app. You will find your RUB LoginID on the enrolment documents handed out to you. Your RUB LoginID is automatically entered into our library system. In the library account you can view loans and fees and extend loan periods.

  • Correct address
    If your address has changed, please contact the Registrar's Office. A change of address can also be made via RUB eCampus.

  • Borrow
    You will need a barcode to borrow items. This is generated in the "RUB Bib" app and is only valid for a limited time (4 hours). You can log in to the app with your LoginID and the corresponding password. If you do not have a smartphone, you can obtain your barcode at the information/service desk.

  • Blocking the barcode
    Please report the loss of the barcode to us promptly, as you are liable for the consequences of unauthorized use.
  • Deregistration
    The relationship of use ends automatically with exmatriculation. If your student ID card loses its validity, this also applies to the use of the University Library (see §3 of the library regulations), therefore there is no renewal of the media. Books should be returned before exmatriculation.

RUB staff
  • Admission requirements
    As a member of the Ruhr University you automatically have the right to use the University Library.

  • Registration
    Not required.
  • Library Account
    You can log in to your library account using your RUB LoginID and the corresponding password. The account can also be accessed via the "RUB Bib" app. You will find your RUB LoginID on the documents handed out to you at the beginning of your employment. The entry of your LoginID in our library system is automated. In the library account you can view loans and fees and extend loan periods.

  • Correct address
    Your address is not in the library account.

  • Borrow
    You will need a barcode to borrow items. This is generated in the "RUB Bib" app and is only valid for a limited time (4 hours). You can log in to the app with your LoginID and the corresponding password. If you do not have a smartphone, you can obtain your barcode at the information/service desk.

  • Borrow by authorized persons
    RUB academics can issue an assistant with a blanket authorization limited to the duration of the assistant's employment. Authorized persons are noted internally in the system as "proxy users" for the period of validity of the authorization and can borrow items from the authorizer's library account using their own "RUB Bib" app. If a loan is made by the authorized person, the person granting the authorization will receive an e-mail.

  • Blocking the barcode
    Please report the loss of the barcode to us promptly, as you are liable for the consequences of unauthorized use.
  • Deregistration
    The relationship of use ends automatically with the termination of employment at RUB.

Participating students and staff RUB guests
  • Admission requirements
    As a member of the Ruhr University you automatically have the right to use the University Library. You will find your RUB LoginID on the documents handed out to you at the beginning of your employment. The registration of your RUB LoginID in our library system takes place in the university library and authorizes you to use the RUB libraries.

  • Registration
    To activate your RUB LoginID, we require the following documents: a valid identity card or passport and a registration certificate (from the residents' registration office)

  • Library Account
    You can log in to your library account using your RUB LoginID and the corresponding password. The account can also be accessed via the "RUB Bib" app. In the library account you can view loans and fees and extend loan periods.
  • Correct address
    Please report to the information/service desk. We will enter the change of address directly into your library account. Please bring your identity card or passport with a registration certificate (registration office).

  • Borrow
    You will need a barcode to borrow items. This is generated in the "RUB Bib" app and is only valid for a limited time (4 hours). You can log in to the app with your LoginID and the corresponding password. If you do not have a smartphone, you can obtain your barcode at the information/service desk.
  • Blocking the barcode
    Please report the loss of the barcode to us promptly, as you are liable for the consequences of unauthorized use.

  • Deregistration
    Your RUB-LoginID is valid for one year. You can extend it after the deadline for using the RUB libraries. You will receive an e-mail reminder before the deadline.

Private individuals (including RUB alumni and UAR students)
  • Admission requirements
    Persons resident in Bochum or the surrounding area (NRW) for professional or personal information and further education as well as persons studying at other universities in NRW are entitled to register.

  • Registration
    Registration takes place in the University Library at the information/service desk (level 0) during our service hours.
    We require the following documents for registration: a valid identity card or a valid passport with a registration certificate (registration office). In addition, an e-mail address is required for registration. You are also welcome to send us your data in advance of your visit to the library.
  • Library Account
    After registering with the University Library, you will receive a LoginID, a verification code and a verification link by e-mail. You must use the link to generate a password for the LoginID. You will need the verification link to confirm the password entry. You can use the LoginID and password to log in to your library account. In the library account you can view loans and fees and extend loan periods. The account can also be accessed via the "RUB Bib" app.

  • Validity
    The generated LoginID is valid for one year for logging into your library account, borrowing and using e-media.

  • Correct address
    Please report to the information/service desk. We will enter the change of address directly into your library account. Please bring your identity card or passport with a registration certificate (registration office).

  • Borrow
    You will need a barcode to borrow items. This is generated in the "RUB Bib" app and is only valid for a limited time (4 hours). You can log in to the app with your LoginID and the corresponding password. If you do not have a smartphone, you can obtain your barcode at the information/service desk.
  • Blocking the barcode
    Please report the loss of the barcode to us promptly, as you are liable for the consequences of unauthorized use.

  • Deregistration
    Please report to the information/service desk. Even without formal deregistration, the relationship of use ends when the LoginID expires.

  • Internet access
    You can use the LoginID at the research workstations in the staircase of the University Library. You can also use the WLAN in the RUB guest network.

Young people under 18
  • Admission requirements
    Young people residing in Bochum or the surrounding area (NRW) are entitled to register for personal information and further training, particularly in the context of school-based specialized work.

  • Registration
    You can register at the University Library at the information/service desk (level 0) during our service hours. We require the following documents for registration:

    • A valid identity card or passport with a registration certificate (residents' registration office)
    • Declaration of consent signed by a person with parental authority, and their valid identity card or valid passport with a current registration certificate (residents' registration office)
    • An e-mail address is also required for registration.

You are also welcome to send us your data in advance of your visit to the library.

  • Library Account
    After registering with the University Library, you will receive a LoginID, a verification code and a verification link by e-mail. You must use the link to generate a password for the LoginID. You will need the verification link to confirm the password entry. You can use the LoginID and password to log in to your library account. In the library account you can view loans and fees and extend loan periods. The account can also be accessed via the "RUB Bib" app.

  • Validity
    The generated LoginID is valid for one year for logging into your library account, borrowing and using e-media.

  • Correct address
    Please report to the information/service desk. We will enter the change of address directly into your library account. Please bring your identity card or passport with a registration certificate (registration office).

  • Borrow
    You will need a barcode to borrow items. This is generated in the "RUB Bib" app and is only valid for a limited time (4 hours). You can log in to the app with your LoginID and the corresponding password. If you do not have a smartphone, you can obtain your barcode at the information/service desk.
  • Blocking the barcode
    Please report the loss of the barcode to us promptly, as you are liable for the consequences of unauthorized use.

  • Deregistration
    Please report to the information/service desk. Even without formal deregistration, the relationship of use ends when the LoginID expires.

  • Internet access
    You can use the LoginID at the research workstations in the staircase of the University Library. You can also use the WLAN in the RUB guest network.