FOLIO Migration: Bayreuth University Library Has a New Library System

On 29 September 2026, Bayreuth University Library migrated to the modern open-source library management system “FOLIO” (an abbreviation of “The Future Of Libraries Is Open”). FOLIO now manages all key library processes, including circulation, acquisition of printed and electronic resources, interlibrary loan, statistics and metadata management, tasks for which several different systems had previously been required. At the same time, the previous library catalogue was replaced by the modern discovery system “VuFind”. In addition to the changes that such a system migration entails, the University Library has used the transition as an opportunity to revise its existing regulations in order to provide an even better service in the future.

The Most Important Changes at a Glance:

Logging in to Your Library Account Using Your Personal User ID

Members of the University can now log in to the catalogue via Shibboleth using their personal user ID (bt-ID) and corresponding password. Logging in with a separate library number (“017…”) is no longer necessary. This change contributes to the University’s goal of enabling access to services across the University using a single account.
External users continue to log in using their library number. The library number can be found on the back of the library card beneath the barcode. When logging in to the University Library catalogue for the first time, a new password must be created via the “Forgot Password?” function.
Only one email address can now be stored in the library account. For members of the University, this is automatically their University email address (e.g. bt123456@uni-bayreuth.de). Please note that this address cannot be changed and ensure that you can reliably receive messages sent to it.
External users are also required to provide a valid email address in order to obtain a library card.

Searching the Library Catalogue

By default, searches in the library catalogue are limited to the holdings of Bayreuth University Library. However, it is now even easier to search beyond the local collection. Simply remove the tick to disable the filter. This will extend the search to holdings within the Bavarian Library Network, including all university and state libraries, as well as several additional libraries outside Bavaria.
Forward slashes have been removed from call numbers. For example, 60/HU 300 P86 becomes 60 HU 300 P86. Please take this into account when searching the catalogue. The physical shelving arrangement of books remains unchanged.

New Pick-Up Code

The pick-up code under which your requested items are made available for collection has changed slightly. It now consists of the first three letters of the surname, the first letter of the first name and the last five digits of the library number. A user named “Erika Mustermann” with library number 0172012345, for example, would find her requested items under the code “MusE12345”.
The pick-up code is included in notification emails concerning available requests and reservations. It can also be found in your library account within the University Library catalogue under “Personal Details”.
In future, you will receive an email for orders, interlibrary loans and holds as soon as the requested item is ready for collection.

Automatic Renewal of Items

Loan periods for checked-out items will now be renewed automatically by the system (an overview of the maximum number of renewals is available here). If an item is reserved by another user, no further automatic renewals are possible. However, the current due date remains unchanged and will not be reset. The “conditional renewal” option will no longer apply.
Some time ago, loan periods for items from the collections of Bayreuth University Library were standardised and now generally amount to four weeks (an overview of loan periods can be found here).

Email Delivery Instead of Paper Receipts

Loan and return receipts are now sent by email by default rather than printed on paper. The first and second chargeable recall notices for students will also no longer be delivered by post and will instead be sent by email as a more environmentally friendly alternative.

E-Payment

Library fees can no longer be paid via the Campus-Card at the cash-loading machines in the Main Library or the Departmental Library LEG (Food, Nutrition & Health, location Kulmbach). Instead, payments can now be made electronically via the ePayBayern platform or by bank transfer.

If you have any questions, please contact colleagues at the circulation desks or by email via the Information desk (auskunft.ub@uni-bayreuth.de).

For a more detailed introduction to searching with VuFind, an online introduction and wide range of training courses are available. We are also happy to provide tailored programmes for groups (e.g. seminar participants at a time that suits you. Please get in touch with us! (bibliotheksfuehrung@uni-bayreuth.de)