Using the library as a new student
Welcome as a new student! Here are some things that are good to know when you start using the University Library's services.
Some information in the film is not correct:
- Books cannot be borrowed from Hälsovetarbacken Library and the Social Sciences Library on Vasagatan.
- It is not possible to return books at the Social Sciences Library on Vasagatan
Our libraries
At the University of Gothenburg there are eight libraries which together constitute the Gothenburg University Library. You will find information about the libraries' opening hours, addresses and contact information on each library page.
The GU card is your library card
As a student at the university, you can use your GU card as a library card to borrow books, journals and other materials.
About GU card and library card
Find and borrow textbooks
The library often has several copies of the textbooks used in courses at the University of Gothenburg. You will find the University Library's textbooks and other material in Supersearch. Choose the filter Textbooks to limit your search results.
When you find a book in Supersearch, you can see where it is located and often pick up the book directly from the shelf. The textbooks are arranged in alphabetical order, sorted by book title. You can make a reservation for the textbook if it is out on loan.
Loan periods for textbooks
The loan periods for textbooks is 14 days. You can renew the loan up to four times if no one has made a reservation for the book. If you forget to renew the loan or return the book too late, an overdue fine of SEK 10 per book and day will be added.
About borrowing at the library
Renew loans in My loans
Log in to the My loans service renew your loans and update your contact information. You log in with your GU account or library card. In My Loans you can:
- check when your loans are due for return
- renew your loans
- see which books you have reserved, and what place you have on the waiting list
- find out if you have any overdue fines to pay
- pay overdue fines and replacement fees
- update your contact details.
Return loans
When the libraries are closed you can return books in book drops located at the Biomedical Library and the Humanities Library.
Use the library's study spaces
The libraries have study spaces in different types of environments. There are open environments for group work, bookable group study rooms and study spaces with computers. At several of our libraries there are also quiet reading rooms and individual study spaces.
About group study rooms at the libraries
Open lunch lectures about study strategies
Every semester we give short lunch lectures where we offer tips on information searching, academic writing and other things you may benefit from in your studies. A few of them are in English.
Short talks for students - open lunch lectures
Workshop: Study with time boxing
Bring your study materials to the library and study in time blocks inspired by the Pomodoro method. The timebox method aims to develop your study technique, improve your focus, and create structure together with other students.
Dates and locations for the workshop: Study with time boxing
If you have a reading impairment
Students who have a reading impairment are entitled to adapted course literature and longer loan periods for textbooks.
Our service for students with reading impairments
At each start of the semester, the University Library invites you to drop-ins, where we talk about talking books, apps, software and reading studios that are equipped with useful programs.
Contact us
Get help in a video call
For example, you can receive guidance on how to search for information, evaluate sources, improve search results or use different reference systems.
Get help from a librarian in a video call
Chat with a librarian
You can also contact us via our chat. An icon is visible at the edge of your screen when the chat is available.
Contact form
You can also use the contact form if you have questions.