General Regulations and Terms of Use of the SLUB Dresden

from October 01, 2025

This translation of the General Regulations and Terms of Use of the SLUB Dresden is for informational purposes only. The German version is legally binding.

These General Regulations and Terms of Use apply to the entire Saxon State and University Library Dresden (hereinafter referred to as SLUB Dresden) across all its locations, including the Central Library and all branch libraries.

The SLUB Dresden serves as the State Library of the Free State of Saxony and simultaneously as the University Library of the Dresden University of Technology. As a publicly accessible academic library of supra-regional significance, its primary purpose is to provide conventional and electronic literature and information services for science, research, teaching, and academic study, as well as for professional development and general education.

In its capacity as the University Library of the Dresden University of Technology, the SLUB Dresden provides central information and support services and serves as a dedicated space for learning and research. In its role as a State Library, the SLUB Dresden acts as a coordination and service hub for libraries throughout Saxony.

As a Regional Library, it fulfills the mandate of long-term preservation and transmission of cultural heritage. In accordance with the legal deposit requirements of the Saxon Press Act, it collects literature published in and about the state of Saxony.

The relationship between the library and its users is primarily governed by public law. Private law agreements may be concluded for special types of usage (e.g., commercial services or specific facility rentals).

By entering any SLUB Dresden premises or utilizing its services, these General Regulations and Terms of Use become legally binding for all users. The current version of the regulations is available for consultation at the service desks of all SLUB Dresden locations and is published on the official SLUB Dresden website.

1. The processing of personal data is based on the Saxon Data Protection Implementation Act (Sächsisches Datenschutzdurchführungsgesetz) in its currently applicable version. Within the framework of this legislation, personal data is collected, stored, updated, and used to the extent necessary for the library to fulfill its legal mandate. This applies in particular to the borrowing of materials and objects and the requesting of items from the stacks (hereinafter referred to as the active user relationship), as well as the use of online services, Wi-Fi, public computer workstations, and other value-added library services. In principle, personal and usage-related data are only disclosed within the limits set by the Saxon Data Protection Implementation Act.
    
2. Upon registration, users consent to the collection and electronic storage of the following data:
   - Personal details
   - Usage data (e.g., borrowed materials, objects and deadlines, fees, borrowing history, etc.).

3. Records concerning a temporary suspension from use shall be deleted one year after the expiry of the suspension period.

4. Following a retention period of six years after the termination of the active user relationship, all personal data shall be deleted, provided that the user has no outstanding obligations toward the library.
    
5. Users may request a full record of the data pertaining to them.
    
6. Data security is guaranteed through personnel, technical, and organizational measures.

1. Natural persons, legal entities under private law, and public law institutions—hereinafter referred to as users or corporate users respectively—shall be admitted for use, provided they utilize the library within the scope of the mandates set forth in § 2 of these Regulations and § 2 of the SLUB Law (SLUBG).
    
2. A user relationship governed by public law exists between the library and the user.

1. The use of public access areas is permitted without prior registration or formal registration. Any person wishing to request materials and objects from non-public areas, use library stock outside of the library buildings, order materials and objects from external libraries (interlibrary loan), or utilize electronic resources, Wi-Fi, or other value-added library services must register as an active user.
    
2. Persons aged 14 and over are eligible to register.
    
3. Registration as an active user must be applied for in person at the library. A national ID card or passport must be presented; students must additionally present their student ID. The library is entitled to request proof of residency.
    
4. Persons under the age of 18 require the signature of a legal guardian on the registration form. Furthermore, the following must be presented (copies are acceptable where applicable):
   • the identity card of the parent or legal guardian or
   • the passport and, if required, an official registration certificate of the parent or legal guardian.
5. SLUB Dresden may require a contract of indemnity (surety) as security from persons who cannot provide proof of residency within the EU. Employees of SLUB Dresden are not permitted to act as guarantors. SLUB Dresden may require the surety declaration to be officially notarized.
    
6. Legal entities and public law institutions shall be admitted for registration upon submission of a corresponding application by an authorized signatory, who must provide identification via a national ID card, passport, or official service ID.
    
7. User status is granted upon successful registration. If a library card is issued, it remains the property of SLUB Dresden and is non-transferable. Registration may be granted for a limited period and subject to specific terms and conditions. Registration shall be refused if the applicant does not provide a guarantee of compliance with these General Regulations and Terms of Use.
    
8. In principle, corporate users are not entitled to extended rights over individual users; the status of corporate membership carries only technical and organizational implications.
    
9. Any changes to personal data, particularly name and address, must be reported to the library immediately. The user shall bear any costs incurred by the library due to non-compliance with this requirement.
    
10. The loss or theft of a library card must be reported to the library immediately. The user is liable to the library for any damages resulting from the culpable misuse of the library card.
     
11. Upon termination of the user relationship, all materials and objects borrowed from the library, as well as the library card, must be returned. All outstanding obligations must be settled. Unfulfilled obligations remain in effect even after the library card has been returned.

1. The Director General exercises domiciliary rights (authority over the premises); they may delegate the exercise of these rights to library staff or authorized third parties. Instructions issued by library staff or authorized third parties must be followed.
    
2. The library is entitled to install security equipment and carry out inspections, specifically the checking of items brought onto the premises. All items in a user’s possession must be presented to library security staff for inspection upon request.
    
3. Library staff are authorized to require any user to present their library card and, if necessary, an official photo ID, as well as to inspect the contents of bags, briefcases, and other containers.
    
4. The library card must be presented for every borrowing transaction and at any time upon request by library staff.

1. Users must conduct themselves in a manner that ensures the library can fulfill its mandates as set forth in § 2 of these Regulations. In particular, no person shall be impaired in their legitimate interests or otherwise obstructed or endangered.
2. Outerwear, umbrellas, briefcases, bags, and similar items must be stored in the designated lockers for the duration of the visit, unless carrying them into the user areas is expressly permitted. SLUB Dresden may grant exceptions for persons with physical disabilities.
3. Quiet and considerate behavior is expected in all library rooms intended for use. Animals are not permitted on the premises. An exception is made for designated therapy or assistance dogs kept on a leash.
4. Smoking (including cigarettes, vapes, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, etc.), open flames, and the operation of household appliances are prohibited within the library buildings—including restrooms, hallways, stairwells, etc.
5. In principle, eating and drinking are permitted only in designated rooms.
6. Photography, filming, television recordings, and audio recordings of any kind may only be conducted within the library with the prior consent of the Director General.
7. SLUB Dresden may prohibit the use of data processing devices (e.g., laptops, voice recorders, scanners, typewriters), wireless telephones, consumer electronics (e.g., MP3 players, etc.), or other devices throughout all library locations—including restrooms, hallways, and stairwells—or restrict their use to specific workstations or areas.
8. Begging, soliciting, and the pursuit of commercial, partisan-political, or advertising purposes on the library buildings and grounds are prohibited.
9. Presence in the buildings is permitted only during opening hours. This does not apply to participation in events held in SLUB Dresden buildings outside of regular opening hours.
10. Access may be denied to persons who are visibly intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
11. Any behavior that endangers or disrupts peaceful and respectful interaction or the free and tolerant atmosphere within SLUB Dresden buildings is prohibited. This applies in particular to the use of signs, symbols, or clothing with unconstitutional, racist, xenophobic, or violent references, or those that show contempt for human dignity.
12. Dangerous substances and objects (including weapons and knives) may not be brought into SLUB Dresden buildings.

1. Users are responsible for the supervision of their personal belongings. SLUB Dresden shall not be liable for the loss, destruction, or damage of items brought into the library premises. This exclusion of liability also applies to items stored in lockers or book boxes; no liability is assumed for cash, valuables, or precious items.
2. SLUB Dresden shall not be held liable for damages resulting from incorrect, incomplete, omitted, or delayed library services. The same applies to damages to a user’s files and/or data storage media resulting from the use of data processing equipment, data carriers, databases, or electronic networks.
3. Furthermore, liability for minor negligence is excluded in all cases.

1. Users are required to handle all materials, objects, and equipment with care, to use them only for their intended purpose, and to protect them from damage.
2. Upon receiving any material, object, or piece of equipment, the user must inspect its condition and immediately report any existing damage. If a user fails to do so, they shall be held responsible for any damage discovered after use, as it will be presumed that the item was received in undamaged condition.
3. Any person who loses or damages library property, or who damages other work equipment, furnishings, or movable assets of the library, shall be liable for damages in accordance with general legal provisions, unless they can prove they were not at fault. The Director General shall determine the method of compensation at their reasonable discretion. Specifically, the library may require the user to restore the item to its original condition, initiate a replacement at the user's expense, provide an equivalent replacement item or reproduction, or pay an appropriate monetary compensation. Furthermore, the library may claim compensation for any loss in value not covered by these measures. Regarding the assessment of fees and compensation, reference is made to the currently applicable Schedule of Fees and Charges. Intentional damage or destruction will result in criminal prosecution.
4. Users are, in principle, solely responsible for compliance with copyright, privacy, and other related rights, as well as youth protection regulations.
5. Users are liable for any damages or disadvantages incurred by SLUB Dresden through the misuse of a library card.
6. Users are liable for any damages or disadvantages incurred by SLUB Dresden resulting from non-compliance with the provisions of these General Regulations and Terms of Use, their supplementary regulations, or implementing provisions.

1. Items found within the library must be handed in immediately at the library's service desks or information points. Claims for a finder’s fee are governed by § 978 of the German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch – BGB).
2. The library is entitled to clear lockers, book boxes, carrels, or cabinets that have not been vacated by the deadline; a fee will be charged for this service. The removed items shall be treated as lost property.

1. In principle, the use of the library is free of charge.
2. To the extent required by law or otherwise, fees and charges shall be levied for certain services provided by SLUB Dresden, and the reimbursement of expenses shall be required. The assessment of fees, charges, and expenses is governed by the SLUB Dresden Schedule of Fees and Charges in its currently applicable version.
3. The collection of fees and expenses is governed by the Administrative Enforcement Act for the Free State of Saxony (Verwaltungsvollstreckungsgesetz für den Freistaat Sachsen).
4. A deposit may be required for the provision of keys or access cards to lockers, storage cabinets, book boxes, carrels, and other library facilities.
5. The commercial use of holdings—in particular the use of reproductions from manuscripts and other rare or valuable materials of SLUB Dresden—is subject to a fee in accordance with the Schedule of Fees and Charges.

1. The opening hours for the various SLUB Dresden locations shall be announced via posted notices, on the internet in an appropriate format, and through other standard means of communication.
2. Changes to opening hours, including temporary closures, are possible for compelling reasons and will be announced in a timely manner.

1. The Open Library is a self-service offering that allows for the use of library premises even outside of staffed opening hours (Open Library hours).
2. The use of library premises during Open Library hours requires a valid library card or a valid registration (see § 7).
3. SLUB Dresden reserves the right to restrict services or access to specific areas.

1. In principle, the reference collections of the library may only be used in the designated rooms. This regulation also applies to course reserves (Semesterapparate) assembled in the open-access areas.
2. The library may limit the total number of materials and objects made available to a user.
3. It is not permitted to store borrowable materials and objects in study/individual/group rooms or book boxes without first checking them out. To provide proof of checkout for materials and objects kept in study/individual/group rooms or book boxes, the loan receipt must be displayed in a clearly visible manner.

1. For the use of manuscripts and other materials that are particularly worthy of protection due to their age, value, or physical condition (special collections), the library may establish additional use restrictions or exclude individual items from use, primarily for conservation reasons. The safety precautions necessary for the preservation of these collections must be observed. The library may provide reproductions in place of the original.
2. Before granting permission for use, the library may require a statement of purpose. In principle, use is only permitted within the library at designated locations. The use of these materials will be logged.
3. Texts and images from manuscripts and other collections worthy of protection may only be published with the consent of the library and on the basis of a special agreement.
4. The user undertakes to provide SLUB Dresden with the bibliographical data of any publications arising from the use of manuscripts and other special collections.

1. As a general rule, the collections of SLUB Dresden are circulating (available for loan). The library reserves the right, in accordance with § 16 of these regulations, to categorize specific items as non-circulating (not available for loan/restrict their use).
2. The circulation of highly requested materials and objects—including course reserves and reference collections—may be restricted to use within the reading and information areas or a designated on-site location of the library.
3. SLUB Dresden is entitled, but not obligated, to hand over materials and objects to be borrowed on behalf of another to the person who presents the corresponding library card.
4. The loan of materials and objects for exhibitions, or their use for photography, film, television, and audio recordings, requires a special agreement.

1. Library materials from the open-access areas on-site must be retrieved personally for borrowing purposes and presented for checkout or, where technically possible, checked out at self-service stations. Materials from the closed stacks must be ordered online via the SLUB catalog.
2. Self-service functions related to borrowing are offered via the SLUB catalog. This applies in particular to:
   • Item inquiries (bibliographical data, location, loan status);
   • Orders from the closed stacks;
   • Renewals of the loan period;
   • Holds (reservations);
   • Account overview (loans and fees, borrowing history);
   • Password and PIN management;
   • Email address updates. 
3. Materials and objects that are not subject to the restrictions of §§ 16f. of these regulations may be borrowed for use outside the library premises.
4. Authentication with a valid library card is required for every loan. The library may require the presentation of a national ID card.
5. Users shall, in principle, receive materials and objects in person.
6. Materials and objects handed over for borrowing upon presentation of a library card are deemed to be borrowed by the holder of that library card; he or she is liable for the return of these materials and objects.
7. Users are obliged to check the loan receipts for accuracy and completeness of the information.
8. If materials and objects provided by the library are not collected within 5 opening days after receipt of the order (notification), the order shall be deemed withdrawn. The library is not obliged to keep the order on file.
9. Borrowed materials and objects may not be passed on to third parties.

1. The following items are non-circulating and excluded from borrowing:
   • Materials and objects from reference collections, including bound volumes of journals and newspapers;
   • Manuscripts and autographs;
   • Materials and objects of special value, particularly those over 100 years old;
   • Loose-leaf collections and typescripts;
   • Unbound materials, journals, and newspapers;
   • Materials and objects that are unsuitable for loan due to their size, weight, or state of preservation;
   • Microforms;
   • Materials from course reserves.
2. Exceptions to this regulation may be made in justified cases.
3. The library reserves the right to exclude other materials and objects from borrowing or to restrict loan conditions. In particular, the library may temporarily suspend the borrowing of individual items or specific collections or, if already on loan, recall them.
4. The use of certain materials and objects is also restricted if statutory regulations or the rights of third parties so dictate.
5. The borrowing of materials and objects whose content is not intended for public distribution may be made dependent on proof of the scientific or professional purpose pursued by their inspection.
6. The library may limit the number of orders and the number of volumes on loan at any one time per user.

1. As a rule, the loan period is 28 calendar days. The library may establish different regulations. In justified cases, the library may recall a material or object before the loan period expires or grant extended loan periods.
2. Renewals are possible within a timeframe set by SLUB Dresden before the deadline and up to five consecutive times, provided the material or object is not required by another user or has a hold (is requested). The loan period is considered extended unless the library explicitly rejects the application. No renewal shall be granted beyond the expiration date of the library card.
3. When renewing a loan, SLUB Dresden may require the presentation of the borrowed material or object. After the maximum number of renewals has been reached, the item must be presented in person for any further checkout. No renewal will be granted beyond the validity of the user's registration. SLUB Dresden may recall an item before the loan period expires if it is required for official library purposes.
4. Permanent loans are not permitted. At the Dresden University of Technology, faculty collections (Handapparate) for university professors may be set up as long-term loans upon application. However, these materials must be made accessible upon request by other users.

1. Holds may be placed on materials and objects that are currently checked out. The library is entitled to limit the number of holds per item as well as the number of holds per user.
2. Information regarding the identity of the person who has requested or borrowed an item may only be disclosed with their consent. As a rule, consent must be obtained in writing unless another form is appropriate in an individual case. The person concerned must not suffer any legal disadvantages as a result of withholding consent.
3. Users will be notified by email as soon as the material or object on which they have placed a hold is available. The item will be held at the service desk (or collection point) for five opening days following the date of notification.

1. Materials and objects must be returned in full no later than the date the loan period expires, either at the designated service desk or via a return machine. The user is obliged to return items immediately, even before the loan period expires, if the library recalls the material or object. In the event of absence or other hindrance, the user must ensure that the borrowed materials and objects are returned on time. The borrower bears the risk of loss until the borrowed library property is received by the library.
2. The library is not obliged to notify the user of the expiration of the loan period. Failure to receive an expiration notice does not exempt the user from the obligation to return borrowed materials and objects on time.
3. The return of materials and objects will be acknowledged by a receipt. Users are obliged to check the return receipts for accuracy and completeness. In the case of returns by mail, return receipts will neither be sent nor kept by the library. Receipts generated by electronic data processing are valid without a signature.
4. If borrowed materials and objects are not returned on time, the library will issue a reclaim notice (overdue notice) subject to a fee, citing the expired loan period.
5. If the reclaim is unsuccessful, the library will issue a formal demand to the user via proof of delivery to return the materials and objects within ten days, subject to a fee. This demand shall include a notice that, in the event of failure to return items within the deadline, the library will initiate administrative proceedings for the surrender of the materials or consider them lost and claim damages in accordance with § 11 paragraph (3).
6. If the deadline set in paragraph (5), sentence 1 expires without result, the library shall issue a formal notice (assessment of fees/orders) subject to a fee, ordering the return of the borrowed materials. If enforcement remains unsuccessful, the user is obliged to pay damages in accordance with § 11 paragraph (3).
7. If administrative proceedings according to paragraph (6), sentence 1 appear impractical or hold no promise of success, the library is entitled, after the expiration of the deadline according to paragraph (5), sentence 2, to consider the borrowed materials lost and to demand damages according to § 11 paragraph (3).
8. Demands for return according to paragraphs (4) to (7) are deemed to have been received if they are delivered to the last address provided by the user.
9. As long as a user does not comply with a demand for return, does not pay assessed damages, or fails to pay owed costs, the library may refuse the borrowing of materials and the renewal of loan periods.

1. Materials and objects that are available neither at SLUB Dresden nor at any other accessible local library may be ordered from an external library through the mediation of the library via domestic and international interlibrary loan. Borrowing is subject to the provisions of the currently valid Interlibrary Loan Regulations (LVO), international agreements, and the special conditions of the lending library.
2. The amount of fees for interlibrary loan mediation is determined by the library's currently valid Schedule of Fees and Charges. In the case of international interlibrary loans, all out-of-pocket expenses must be reimbursed by the user. Any costs incurred must be paid by the applicant even if the procured library materials are not used.
3. Applications—for example, for renewals of the loan period or for exceptions—must be channeled through the mediating library and should be limited to exceptional cases.
4. These General Regulations and Terms of Use also apply to materials and objects obtained via interlibrary loan. Instructions from the lending library must be observed.
5. For external use, materials and objects are sent in accordance with the provisions of domestic and international interlibrary loan. The library may attach conditions to the loan or refuse it altogether. Furthermore, the library is entitled to provide reproductions instead of the original, provided this is permissible under copyright law.

Electronic information sources are specifically marked according to their access authorization. Access to electronic information sources that are not freely available is governed by the conditions of the respective licensors (e.g., authorization limited to university members, or use restricted to the library premises or specific IP addresses). Access authorization is verified through appropriate authentication mechanisms.

1. Users may create or have created reproductions of materials, provided it is ensured that the materials will not be damaged.
2. Reproductions from special collections or from materials subject to specific conservation requirements may only be produced by the library or with its express consent. The library determines the method of reproduction.
3. If the library produces the reproductions itself, it retains all resulting rights. The master files remain the property of the library.
4. Reproduction in large quantities or for commercial purposes (e.g., reprints, facsimile editions, postcards) requires a special agreement, which may also stipulate a fee or consideration. The right of reproduction and use may not be transferred to third parties without the library’s permission.
5. Special provisions apply to the transfer of data to electronic storage media.

1. SLUB Dresden provides registered users with IT workstations for accessing electronic information resources. Users must authenticate themselves by entering their user ID and password or through other available authentication methods.
2. Basic knowledge of hardware and software applications is required.
3. Reservations for training events take precedence over individual use of IT workstations.
4. Any commercial use of the entire electronic infrastructure, including internet access, is prohibited.
5. IT facilities and equipment must be handled according to their intended purpose. Any defects identified before or during use must be reported immediately to the library staff on duty. Users must refrain from attempting their own repairs (self-help).
6. Users may use their own storage media to save files. They are solely responsible for backing up their own data. Library staff are entitled to check storage media for virus infections before use.
7. When using the electronic infrastructure, all relevant legal regulations—particularly those concerning copyright, data protection, and criminal law—must be observed. It is prohibited to use the electronic infrastructure to access or distribute content that glorifies violence or is pornographic or racist in nature. Users undertake not to manipulate any files or programs belonging to SLUB Dresden or third parties. Violations will be sanctioned and, depending on their severity, may lead to exclusion from use.
8. The duties of care and liability principles set out in § 9, § 10, and § 11 of these General Regulations and Terms of Use apply accordingly.

1. Anyone who repeatedly or seriously violates the General Regulations and Terms of Use or orders issued by the library, its employees, or third parties entrusted with exercising property rights (Hausrecht), may be partially or completely excluded from using the library for a limited or indefinite period by the Director General of SLUB Dresden. The same applies if use has become unreasonable for other reasons. Exclusion from use may be combined with a ban from the premises (Hausverbot).
2. The person concerned must be granted a hearing before a permanent exclusion is issued.
3. Obligations arising from use prior to the exclusion remain in effect.
4. An objection against the exclusion may be lodged with the Board of Trustees (Verwaltungsrat) of SLUB Dresden within one month of notification of the decision.

1. The Director General is entitled to issue implementing regulations for these General Regulations and Terms of Use. These shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval. If no objection is made within four weeks of submission, the implementing regulations shall be deemed approved. They are subsequently to be published in an appropriate form and attached as an annex to the General Regulations and Terms of Use.
2. The Director General is entitled to amend the existing annexes to the General Regulations and Terms of Use. The procedure is governed by paragraph 1.
3. The right to make amendments to the General Regulations and Terms of Use, their supplementary regulations, and implementing provisions remains reserved, provided they concern the fees and charges of SLUB Dresden or the sanctioning of its regular operations—particularly the timely return of borrowed library materials—and follow the principle of fair discretion.

These regulations shall enter into force on the day after their publication. At the same time, the General Regulations and Terms of Use dated March 1, 2011, shall expire.

Haus- und Benutzungsordnung (PDF)