ZB MED goes fully digital / Closure of reading rooms and on-site services at the Cologne site from 20 July 2026
ZB MED is systematically reorienting its library towards the provision of digital information and literature. In future, the focus will be on services that are available nationwide and accessible from any location. However, this change will directly affect you as an on-site user: Starting July 20, 2026, the study and work areas as well as on-site services at the Cologne location will no longer be available to you, as the building will remain closed. Our digital services are available to you 24/7, regardless of your location—whether in the office, in the lab, or from home. Our archival mandate also remains unchanged, ensuring that all print collections will continue to be preserved and made available via delivery and interlibrary loan services. You can find an overview of all the services offered by our digital library here.
| Monday to Friday | 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Working spaces |
| Monday to Friday | 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. | Lending desk |
| Saturday & Sunday | closed |
Self-service area
Items that you have reserved or ordered can be collected from the self-service pick-up point at any time during the reading rooms’ opening hours. You will find the collection shelf in the reading room/EG.
It’s easy to order items in advance using LIVIVO. Simply log in to the system with your user number and password, order the books you need, and they will be ready for collection within 24 hours. Items that you have ordered or reserved are sorted by library card number. They can be collected from the self-service machines in the foyer.
Important:
The self-service option is not available for CDs, special-format items, or items ordered through the interlibrary loan system. These must be collected from the lending desk (this service is only available between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.).
The following services are only available during lending desk opening times:
- Picking up CDs and special-format items you have ordered as well as items ordered through the interlibrary loan system
- Collecting library cards
- Paying fees and charges
You can pre-order items at any time through our LIVIVO research portal.
Use of reading room desks and study spaces
- From Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the ZB MED main building.
- To reserve the study booth, please use our booking system
Returning items
Items can be returned to the book return box between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday. The box is located to the right of the library’s main entrance.
If you have any questions, please give us a call or send us an email and we will be happy to help!
Contact lending desk
Phone: +49 221/478-7070
Email: ausleihe@zbmed.de
Contact InfoCenter
Phone: +49 221/478-5685
Email: info@zbmed.de
