Books
Learn more about searching for books and eBooks.
- How to search the library's catalogue (OPAC)
- Accessing eBooks from the library's catalogue (OPAC)
- Using local / regional libraries
How to search the library's catalogue (OPAC)
Our online catalogue (OPAC) contains all of our holdings, including:
- books
- monographic series
- periodicals
- theses (including link to full-text)
- audio / visual media
Simple Search
To perform a keyword search, simply type your search in the search field and press enter.
Advanced Search
The Advanced Search will allow you to narrow or broaden your search as needed, based on expanded criteria.
Search in specific fields
If you're interested in learning more, see the article on advanced search techniques
While Keyword is the default search, there are many additional fields that can be searched specifically by selecting them from the drop-down menu. The most relevant are Title, Author and Subject.
Subject
Subject headings are important because you can use them to find similar information more efficiently. Once you've found a record of interest, you may want to note the assigned subject headings to find similar items.
More on Subject Headings
A subject heading is a specific word or phrase used to find and organise books and articles by topic. Subject headings can be a great way to easily find things related directly to your topic. Once you have identified a book or article that is worthwhile, look at the subject headings. In the online catalogue these are found in the catalog record and you can click directly on the subject heading to get a list of books on the same subject.
Subject headings are different from keywords in that they are specific terms assigned to a subject by a subject analyst or the author.
In the library catalogue and many databases, an items's subject(s) will be a link, so that you can click on the subject heading to find similar items. You also might want to note the exact words to search them as a keyword later.
Combine search fields
Sometimes searching in a specific field still returns too many results when you're looking for something specific. IN those cases, it is helpful to combine two or more search fields using AND, OR , or NOT form the drop-down menus to the left of the search field.
Example: A title search for 'human resource management' may return dozens of results, but when combined with an author search, as in the screenshot below, only items with 'human resource management' in the title AND 'Crawshaw' as an author will be returned.
Results
Refine your search
Once your search has returned results, you can narrow those results, or refine your search based on varied criteria, eg author, availability, item type or topic.
By Availability
By Item Type
Accessing eBooks from the library's catalogue (OPAC)
Some eBooks can be accessed directly from the library's catalogue (OPAC) by clicking on 'Click to view' beside the 'Online resources' field.
This will take you to the platform of our eBook vendor, ProQuest eBook Central, where you can view the eBook online or download.
Please note: In order to download eBooks, you must create a user account. See below.
Using local / regional libraries
Kooperativer Bibliotheksverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (KOBV)
The KOBV provides a portal to search most academic libraries in Berlin and Brandenburg, including BI, at the same time.
KOBV Catalogue
Freie Universität (FU)
Those officially registered in Berlin or in Brandenburg can obtain user cards at no charge on presentation of identification (Personalausweis; or passport in combination with official proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung)). More information can be found on their website.
FU Catalogue
FU Research Databases
Humboldt Universität (HU)
Any resident of the Germany who is at least 16 years of age may register to use the libraries of Humboldt University free of charge. For more information see, click here.
HU Catalogue
HU Research Databases
Kunstbibliothek – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Library cards are issued during opening hours at the entrance control or at the bibliographic information desk in the reading room.
After presenting an official form of identification (identity card or passport, but not a driver’s licence or student ID) the user receives a library card permitting them to use the library.
For more information, see the website of the Kunstbibliothek.
Kunstbibliothek Catalogue
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin (StaBi)
When you register for the first time you can do it either online or in person at one of our registration counters in either Haus Potsdamer Straße (Leihstelle) or Haus Unter den Linden (Bücherausgabe). If you register online, you will receive a preliminary library card number with which you can already use our electronic resources.
Please observe: when you receive a library card number after an online registration, you can order items only during the first seven days.
When you visit the library for the first time, please register for a regular library card in order to also be able to use the library‘s WiFi.
The StabiOnline service is not renewable. If you do not have a regular library card issued within six weeks, your authorisation to use electronic resources will also expire.
Registration is free of charge.
StaBi Catalogue
StaBi Research Databases
Technische Universität Berlin (TU)
Students can register online to use the libraries of the TU. There is currently no registration fee. Upon registration students can borrow books and take advantage of electronic resources. Click here for more information.
TU Catalogue
TU Research Databases
Universität der Künste Berlin (UdK)
A Technische Universität library card (see above) is valid at the libraries of the UdK Berlin.