FAQ
1. Why can I not find any books on the shelves with the shelfmark HIS?
"HIS" is a library designation that is required by the electronic catalog in order to allocate the book to the library. This prefix can be ignored when looking for the book. For example, the book with the shelfmark "HIS V 2877" should be searched for in the library under "V" and the corresponding number.
2. How can I borrow books in the History Library?
You can collect books directly from the shelves of the open access collections on the first basement floor and borrow them at the loan desk of the Basisbibliothek Unitobler. You can issue books from the Ancient History section on platform 2 yourself at the self-lending terminal in the foyer of the Historical Institute. To borrow books you require an IDS library pass that can be obtained at the Basisbibliothek Unitobler for CHF 22.
3. How do I know whether I need to issue a book in the Basisbibliothek Unitobler or at the self-lending terminal?
The collections accessible via the Basisbibliothek Unitobler and available for borrowing are marked in the catalog with the location "open access area". You should borrow these books in the BTO. The collections on the platforms have the locations "Platform 1" and "Platform 2" and are partially available for borrowing. You can borrow these media independently at the self-lending terminal on the ground floor.
4. What should I do if I find a different book under the searched shelfmark than is shown in the catalog?
Please report this to Office B022. Please note that upper and lower case are relevant for 'S' shelfmarks (for example, there is both "Sa100" and "SA100") and certain shelfmarks are allocated to the sections on ancient and modern history ('M' and 'R' shelfmarks). See Detailed Classification (Document in German) (PDF, 23KB).
5. Can I find all books available in the library via swissbib Basel Bern?
Around 98% of the collection is contained in the online catalog. It is possible that individual works, largely older ones, may not be included. When carrying out a specific search, please also consult the card index and ask the library staff.
6. How can I reserve a workplace?
A reservation can be made in person at Office B022 or by e-mail. However, there is normally a long waiting list (around two semesters).
7. May I take non-borrowable books to my workplace?
Yes, because the book is still in the non-lending collection at your workplace. However, the books should be returned again in the evening.
8. Where can I find course reserve collections with specific literature for my course?
The course reserve collections are located in the foyer of the Historical Institute on the ground floor (in front of the entrance to the library platforms) as well as on the the first floor. The books in the course reserve collections can be removed temporarily for making copies and have to be returned immediately afterwards.
9. Can I reclaim a book if it has already been borrowed?
Borrowed collections can be reserved online and collected from the Basisbibliothek Unitobler BTO following notification.
10. How can I find articles from journals or periodicals on a given topic?
Dependent publications are to be found in the second tab of Swissbib „Articles and more“. Additionally, it is necessary to consult databases, bibliographies etc. You find helpful information on that topic on the website Subject Information History.
11. Can I order books and journal articles via the Internet or by telephone?
Interlibrary loan requests are normally accepted only from libraries, not from private individuals. You must therefore ask a library in your vicinity to submit an interlibrary loan request to us.
12. How can I obtain books or articles that I am unable to find in the History Library?
The History Library does not order books of other libraries. Such orders can be placed via the Basisbibliothek Unitobler BTO. A free courier service is provided within the scope of the Bern Libraries that delivers books to specific collection points. Ordering books by Swiss courier / SLSP courier and interlibrary loans from other Swiss libraries is subject to charge.