University library - the place for you!
Welcome to the library! We have made a collection of frequently asked questions from students.
Main content
How do I get a library card?
Your student card is also your library card! At the back of the card you will find the card number and a barcode. The barcode can be read by our checkout machines when you want to borrow books.
How many books can I borrow, and how long can I borrow them?
You can borrow as many books as you can carry!
Most of the library books can be borrowed for 4 weeks, but in many cases you can borrow them longer than that. Upon due date, your loans will be automatically renewed for another 4 weeks as long as no one else has requested the book(s) you have. These automatic renewals may happen several times: the maximum loan period is 4 months for students.
Course literature or particular document types (e.g. video), may have shorter loan periods and other rules for renewals.
Please note: You will receive an e-mail with a reminder of the item(s) due upon due date.
If you do not return the book(s) on time, you may be liable to pay a fine. You will receive several reminders to return your loan(s). It is your responsibility to make sure that the library has your correct contact details, such as your e-mail address.
You can read more about loans in our borrowing regulations.
You can borrow as many books as you can carry.
Are there any good study places in the library?
Yes! Many students recommend studying in the library. Read more about our study places.
Many of the libraries offer extended opening hours, where you can access the libraries during unstaffed hours. This is a service for students and employees at University of Bergen.
In November, December and May, the Social Sciences, Music and Psychology Library offers access 24/7 for all UiB students.
Have a look at our individual libraries to see their contact details and opening hours.
Law students working hard.
What can I ask the librarians about?
Try and find out!
We are information professionals and our most important job is to help you find what you need, particularly documents (books, articles, maps, videos, films, music, pictures, etc.) in physical or digital format.
If there are documents we don't have in our collections, we can borrow them from other libraries for you (called interlibrary loan).
We can also help you to access old and new Norwegian books in Nettbiblioteket, the National Library of Norway's digital platform. Have a look at our page on digital library collections and services for more information and other recommended sources, including PressReader.
You can also ask for help with academic writing. The library offers support with referencing, citation techniques and use of sources.
The card catalogue today.
Do you have any library tips for the subject I'm studying?
Start by searching in Oria. Oria is a discovery system that searches for documents that exist in the library catalogue. Oria also gives you direct access to digital documents. We have some guidelines to help you with Oria.
You can go to the University Library's websites and find "Your subject" in the far left drop-down menu. Here are resources for the specific libraries and their associated subjects, and you can also find contact information to the academic librarians at each library.
Otherwise we recommend browsing our main menu. Be aware of Spesialsamlingene / Special collections.
If you have any questions, you can go to any of our staffed information desks, or contact the libraries on their e-mails or phone.
I have technical questions about access, printing, and more. Can I ask the librarians?
For technical questions, we recommend asking the IT-assistants directly. They are on duty in order to help the students here:
Nygårdsgaten 5, 3. etasje - BRITA
08.00-15.45 Monday - Friday
Entrance from Nygårdsgaten or Fosswinckels gate (by the Social Science building)
Medical Library
10.00-15.00 Monday - Friday
The BB-building, Jonas Lies vei 91
Students from all faculties can receive help in these two places.
Remember that you can get support in UiBhjelp, and during work hours (08.00 - 15.45) on chat
(https://www.uib.no/en/foremployees/77681/brita-helps-you) or phone 55 58 47 00.
See also informaton about access off campus.
I am about to start my course work. Can you help?
A good place to start may be to go through the online course Digital kildekritikk, a tool meant to help you with digital source criticism.
Many courses offer integrated library sessions. You can also keep up to date with the event calendar.
You can check Søk og Skriv for useful tips on academic writing and referencing.
And you are always welcome to ask us at the information desks in the library.
