Classification scheme for the open stacks
Please also note:
The freely accessible stock of the University Library is systematically arranged by subject area on levels 0 to 4 of the library building.
Each individual item has its own shelfmark. It consists of three letters and a combination of numbers. The first two letters of the shelfmark indicate the subject area, the third letter simply indicates the format of the book.
Subject area overview for monographs
Subject area overview for journals
Bound journal volumes (shelfmarks starting with ZG, ZM, ZR or ZS) are generally not available for loan. Exception: Z shelfmarks that end with the suffix “-GX” or are marked with a green dot.
Please note that the bound journal volumes (shelfmarks starting with ZM, ZR or ZS) have been moved to our storage facility in Bochum-Langendreer and need to be ordered using this form. Only the humanities journals (shelfmarks starting with ZG) and the journals we still subscribe to as a print edition remain in the Central Library.
Journals Humanities
Current issues (current year): Level 0, Zeitschriftenheftauslage, alphabetically sorted by title
Bound volumes:
| ZGA | Level 3 / Area 1 |
| ZGB 1 - ZGB 1298 | Level 3 / Area 2 |
| ZGB 1299 ff, ZGC, ZGD | Level 2 / Area 2 |
| ZGE (= large formats) | Closed stacks |
Journals Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Engineering
Current issues (current year): Ebene 0, Zeitschriftenheftauslage, alphabetically sorted by title
Bound volumes:
| ZSA - ZSD | Level 4 / Area 4 |
| ZSE (= large formats) | Closed stacks |
Journals Medicine
Current issues (current year): Ebene 0, Zeitschriftenheftauslage, alphabetically sorted by title
Bound volumes:
| ZMA-ZMD | Level 4 / Area 4 |
| ZME (= large formats) | Closed stacks |
Journals Law, Economics and Social Sciences
Current issues (current year): Ebene 0, Zeitschriftenheftauslage, alphabetically sorted by title
Bound volumes:
| ZRA - ZRD | Level 2 / Area 3 |
| ZRE (= large formats) | Closed stacks |
Bibliographic reference library
In most cases, you will find subject-specific reference works directly at the entrance to the stacks area, where the literature on loan for the subject in question is also located. These media cannot be borrowed (reference collection).
Please also note the information on the locations, conditions of use and ordering options for our special collections.