FAQ
The access to the General Library and to the reading and consultation of its bibliographic collections is open and free to the whole university community and general public.
During school period the Reading Room opens from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and during the holiday period, it opens from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Reading Room of Manuscripts, Rare Books and Special Collections items opens from 9:00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Yes, it does. The Bibliographic Reference and Information Service is available to organise training activities when suggested by particular groups of users. For that purpose users should contact: gabref@bg.uc.pt.
Yes, all bibliographic resources of the University of Coimbra can be remotely accessed at: http://webopac.sib.uc.pt/search~S17. Here you can select the General Library catalogue or any other catalogue from the University of Coimbra libraries.
The documental collections of the General Library can be accessed and researched via web, from the bibliographic catalogue http://webopac.sib.uc.pt/search~S17, a system that allows, immediately, to know if the document exists, and whether it is available or has been requested.
The General Library also provides an interlibrary loan service. This service is carried out at institutional level which means that readers must address the library of their institution to request for an item from another library.
Users must approach the library counter and present the card that identifies them as users of the libraries of the University of Coimbra.
Requests for items are made through a digital form using the application available in the computers of the Catalogue Room. The same procedure applies to the borrowing of books.
The General Library offers self-service photocopying through the acquisition of a pre-paid, rechargeable card.
Cards can be acquired in a card machine next to the copiers. They cost 1,00€. Each photocopy costs 0,05€.
For further information about photocopying please check the reproduction regulation.
All monographs published after 1971 are available for home reading, except for those whose bibliographic or material value has been classified as not authorised for borrowing by the General Library.
Periodicals and reference documents (encyclopaedias, dictionaries) are also not available for home reading.
No, loan renewals have to be made until the last day of the loan period. Renewals should be made two days before the deadline. We recommend a careful reading of the Regulation for Book Lending in order to avoid penalties.
No, all requests for renewal must be done in the User Area of the SIIB-UC Catalogue (http://webopac.sib.uc.pt:2008/patroninfo*) by login or directly in one of the computers available in the General Library.
No, you can only request books that are available in the General Library.
You must fill in the Interlibrary Loan form in the Reference Room of the General Library or send it by email to gabref@bg.uc.pt.
Most of the works are accessible in the online catalog via the link: http://webopac.sib.uc.pt/search~S17. However, for information on works published up to 1957, you should access Search and select Manuscript Catalogue (works prior to 1957). The works contained in this catalogue can only be read in-house and cannot be borrowed for home reading.
Some of the Special Collections, which are under preparation, are not yet available in the catalogue.
In the search and request terminals available in the General Library, as well as in any computer with internet connection to the UC, users can also access several subscribed databases, as well as other selected portals. They are open access and can be reached through our Resources Page.
Yes, since the University of Coimbra is a member of the b-on (Online Knowlegde Library) national consortium. The paid resources available on the portal are accessible in the General Library. Full access is restricted to the university network. To use b-on from a non-UC network, simply access this address where you will find instructions on how to configure a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Registration in the b-on is optional. Search functions and full text download are availabe for 'anonymous user'.
BGUC has workplaces for researchers (boxes) that may be used in accordance with specific regulation.
Yes, you can. Users should go the General Library information counter or to the counter of any other Library of the University of Coimbra, and register for borrowing books by buying the library card. The annual fee is 25,00 €.