The library, the computer pool (CIP), and the foyer form a coherent area with different learning and working zones in the center of the physics building. Both students and lecturers actively use the (text-)books, the technical infrastructure and the workspace. During opening hours the helpdesk and our librarian offer personal assistance..
workspaces and learning zones
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silent workstation
our learning zones
We offer suitable workplaces for different needs. Wifi is available in all areas - you can thus access databases and ebooks that are activated in the university network.
silent workplace / silent zone
There are some silent workplaces in the reading room, in the area "sbib" , and even in the "library garden" in the atrium when the weather is nice; here you can concentrate and work in peace. Signs with a red traffic light indicate the silent area.
These workplaces are primarily available to members of the physics department - especially during the examination phases, guests from other departments or faculties must expect to have to give up "their" place to internal members.
computer workstations
In the CIP computer room you will find fully equipped computer workstations. You can use the preinstalled software (see CIP-services). We currently offer two additional computer workstations in the reading room. You can also work on your own laptop at all workspaces in the library. The power supply is not sufficient everywhere - if necessary, you can borrow multiple sockets from the helpdesk.
workstations for small groups in the CIP / quiet zone
In the computer room – CIP - you can work together in small groups and talk quietly. We also offer some camera-equipped computers here, so you can actively participate in zoom meetings. The CIP is marked by a yellow traffic light.
foyer / social zone
In the foyer you'll find our lounge area or "social zone": here you can discuss and work in groups (green traffic light sign). If there are no other events you might also use the seminar rooms to study (-> seminar room occupancy).
The CIP is a service by students for students. The helpdesk assistants take care of the computers located in this computer room. They are also the point of contact if you would like to borrow a book from the sbib-textbook-collection.
software
In addition to the whole range of free software programs for researching on the internet, analyzing data from the practical courses and editing scientific texts and graphics, powerful modern mathematical software packages such as Mathematica, Maxima and LaTex as well as the programming language Julia are also offered. Furthermore, we have set up 4 zoom workstations with webcams, please bring your own headphones.
You will find an overview of the installed software here.
RRZK: on the webpages of the "Regional Computing Centre (RRZK) you will find information on your smail-account, VPN, software, storage space or computer courses
there is no public copier / printer in the physics building; however, you can print or scan in the CIP to a limited extent - ask at the helpdesk for assistance
many textbooks and journals are also available online and you can download and save the content when you are logged in into the university network
If you are missing a book in the collection, our librarian will be happy to accept your acquisition suggestion.
textbook collection sbib
In the showcases of the textbook collection sbib (students’ library) you will find basic literature for physics studies and all books from the lecturers’ recommendation lists to borrow for the day. The books are listed in the USB catalogue under the location "Physikalische Institute / Studierendenbibliothek". Feel free to get inspired directly at the shelf → arrangement system sbib .
Please ask the helpdesk if you need a specific book from the collection (find more information here).
Ising shelf
On the way to the workplaces in the sbib textbook collection - on the open "Ising shelf" - there are (text-)books in older editions for reading and browsing without any lending process. Some of the books are from the founding collection of the first student library in the 1970s. They are not listed in the USB portal.
practical course collection
Students who complete their Practical Course B, Practical M, Practical Course Modern Physics III or the Demonstration Practical Course at the Institute of Nuclear Physics can borrow books from the local practical course collection (IKP, room 104).
reading room
In our lovely reading room you will find specialist literature on all the research areas of the Physics Department. You are welcome to work with these books on site. The books can also be used in the foyer or in the sbib via the daily lending service at the helpdesk in the CIP.
collection of graduation theses
In the library you will also find numerous graduation theses (diploma theses, master theses, state examination theses) as orientation and inspiration for your own thesis. Our collection of diploma and master theses are not listed in the USB portal.
do & don't
code of conduct
You may take your jacket and bag into the library. Please make sure to keep the escape routes clear.
Please handle books, furniture and equipment with care. Vandalism will be prosecuted.
It is not allowed to bring food and groceries into the library. Drinks are permitted.
Please report any defects you notice in the library (damaged book, no wifi, heating too hot/cold...) to the helpdesk so that we can take care of solving the problem.
The library is not liable for the loss of or damage to items you have brought into the library.
Please adhere to the indicated working zones (silent - quiet).
You have to follow the instructions of the librarian and helpdesk personnel.
If you have any questions, suggestions or criticism, please contact the helpdesk personnel or our librarian
You will find more details in our terms of use (in German only).
copyright / licensing rights
The physics library provides you with printed and digital content. Please ensure that you comply with copyright regulations.
Extensive downloads of electronic media may result in access being blocked by the provider not only for your own computer but also for the entire university.
Please observe the terms of use of the publishers or editors. The following generally applies to publishers' offers subject to licensing:
Access to the full texts is permitted to employees and students of the University of Cologne. Library users who are not members of the university can only use the media subject to licensing on the premises of the library. Database contents as well as full texts of articles and e-book chapters may only be printed or saved for personal use and research purposes. Articles may not be passed on to third parties either electronically or in printed form. Systematic downloading of journal articles (e.g. all articles from a journal issue) or database content, in particular also by robots, is contrary to licensing law and prohibited.
