The Hof University Library is setting the course for the future: With a new, modern library catalog, the first step toward the new open-source library system Folio has already been taken. Among other things, the catalog offers a more user-friendly search experience, direct access to digital media, and new options for reservations and requests. But what’s behind this transition? What does it mean specifically for users? And what else will change once the full switch to Folio takes place in mid-November? We discuss these questions with Library Director Katharina Sachs.
Ms. Sachs, why is the university library getting a new library system in the first place?
“Our previous system, SISIS-SunRise, has served us reliably for many years, but it is no longer being developed. With our future library management system, FOLIO—which we’ll go live with on November 17, 2026—we’re opting for a modern, open, and flexible solution that better supports the digital transformation in the library world.”
What are the advantages?
“As an open-source system, FOLIO is open, modular, and flexibly expandable. It can handle traditional library processes as well as the management of electronic media and licenses. Open interfaces also facilitate integration with other university systems and services. Another advantage: FOLIO is jointly developed by an international community—libraries can actively contribute their requirements.
In Bavaria, the transition to FOLIO by all college and university libraries by the end of 2027 will enable close collaboration and the exchange of experiences and solutions among libraries. “For us, this transition is an important step toward continuing to develop our library in a way that is reliable, flexible, and closely aligned with the needs of our university.”
What is the most important new feature of the new library catalog for students and staff?
“The new library catalog offers a more modern search function, a clearer layout, and more convenient access to print and digital resources. Behind it all is the VuFind discovery system, also an open-source application designed by libraries for libraries and collaboratively developed. This makes searching clearer and more convenient: intuitive search options and numerous filters help users quickly find the right results. The responsive design ensures that the catalog can also be used comfortably on smartphones and tablets.”
How does searching work in the new catalog—and what can I find there?
“You can simply enter the desired title, author, or keyword into the search field on the home screen, or you can use the advanced search, which allows you to combine different search fields. The list of results can then be narrowed down, for example, by location, format, subject, or year of publication. This makes it easy to quickly filter out exactly what you’re looking for, even when there are a large number of results.
The detailed view of a title provides all important information at a glance: bibliographic details, location, and call number, as well as direct access to the full text for digital media. This allows you to find books, journals, and newspapers in both print and all digital formats, and to search through a wide variety of journal articles. University members continue to have convenient access to all digital media even when off campus.
When performing a search, you’ll first see results from the entire collection of the Bavarian Library Network, but you can then filter specifically within the collection of our university library or that of the HFÖD Hof library.”
What should users keep in mind when accessing their library account for the first time?
“Logging into your library account is necessary, for example, when ordering or reserving materials or creating watchlists. When logging in for the first time to the new library catalog, please note that after entering your library ID number, you’ll need to reset your password once. More information on this can be found on the library’s website.”
What other changes will take effect in mid-November with the full transition to Folio?
“With the go-live of the new Folio library system, there will be two more important changes to the catalog. For one, interlibrary loan requests will be very convenient to place. If you find a title in the catalog that is not available either at our library or at the HfÖD library, you can easily order it via interlibrary loan with a single click. The login procedure for your library account will also change again. All university members will then be able to log in conveniently using their university ID.”
What advice would you give to anyone who isn’t yet familiar with the new catalog?
“Starting in November, we’ll be offering short online introductions on numerous days under the title ‘The New Library Catalog in 15 Minutes’—always at 1:00 p.m. In these concise sessions, we’ll demonstrate the most important features and provide practical tips for conducting research. All dates can be found in the library’s event calendar. Registration is not required.
If you need help beforehand or have a specific question, you can take advantage of our online consultation hours—every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00 p.m., a library staff member will be available online to answer questions about the new catalog. So: just give it a try, and feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions!”
Thank you very much!
