Access to our collections
The library catalogue is your starting point for exploring all resources available through Ghent University Libraries
How to access our electronic resources?
You can access our digital collections directly through the library catalogue, by simply clicking the “View online” button, after logging in with your Ghent University account.
How to find a (printed) book in the library?
No “View online” button? That’s because it’s a printed publication, available in one of Ghent University’s libraries. The catalogue will tell you where the publication is available, and shows you the place number. This code is like a ‘home address’ within the library, it tells you exactly where to find a publication on the shelves.
In this library, the place number contains the prefix for the library (LWBIB), a collection code, a section and/or subsections and - in most cases - a serial number. Literature collections often have the first letters of an author’s name instead of a serial number at the end.
- LWBIB.L30.ME.0309: this book is in our (LWBIB) Dutch Literature collection (L30), section Middle Ages (ME), book number 309.
The good news? You don't need to familiarize yourself with these sections and subsections. By clicking the place number in the catalogue, you can see exactly where to go, including the floor and shelf where your book is located. Think of it as a treasure hunt - but with a map and a much higher success rate.
Sometimes you'll find a "Request" button instead of a map. This means the book has been moved to one of our repositories. Click "Request", and we'll fetch it for you. We'll let you know as soon as it's ready for pickup at the circulation desk.
You may notice that many of our publications are available in more than one digital and/or printed versions, so you can pick the version that best suits your needs.
Need a publication that we don’t have?
Research occasionally leads beyond the walls of our library - and that's perfectly normal.
If the publication you’re looking for isn't part of our collection, you can request it through interlibrary loan. We can obtain materials from other libraries in Belgium and abroad.
Online access from home
Working from home? You'll need to install the Lean Library browser extension to get access to our electronic publications. Don’t forget to log in to your account as well.
Install it once, and it will automatically:
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Detect whether UGent has access to a source
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Guide you to the full text when available
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Save you from opening seventeen tabs in increasing desperation
Need help finding sources?
Are you a student falling down a research rabbit hole? Can't find the right sources? Struggling with the library catalogue, Google Scholar, a database, or Zotero? Book a one-on-one appointment with one of our librarians. We'll help you get back on track.
Want to book an information literacy session for your students?
Teaching a course in the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy? The library offers customized information literacy sessions: request a workshop and/or guided tour for your students. You can find more information on our website.