Library Card and User Account
The digital library card gives you access to all USL services. This website contains information on how to apply for a new card or renew an existing one, as well as details regarding your user account.
Get your library card in 4 steps:
- Fill out the relevant online form and click "Submit".
- Once your account has been set up, you will receive an email from the loan department providing your user number and other important information.
- Use your user number to create a new password for your account in the bonnus search portal.
- Then, link your library card to the Uni Bonn App.
University of Bonn students & FFF students
Are you a student at the University of Bonn or a participant in the university's early study program "FFF" and looking to apply for a library card?
University of Bonn staff
You are a member of staff at the University of Bonn?
Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg students and University of Bonn guest students
Are you studying at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg or are you a guest student at the University of Bonn and would like to apply for a library card?
Other users
You would like to use the services of the USL?
University of Bonn students & FFF students
Are you a student at the University of Bonn or a participant in the university's early study program "FFF" and looking to renew your library card?
University of Bonn staff
You are a member of staff at the University of Bonn looking to renew your library card?
Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg students and University of Bonn guest students
Are you studying at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg or are you a guest student at the University of Bonn and would like to renew your library card?
Other users
Would you like to keep using the services of the USL?
Requirements for linking the Uni Bonn App:
1. Uni Bonn App:
In order to use your digital library card at the USL, you must first activate it using the Uni Bonn App. For this, the app must be installed.
2. Password: bonnus search portal
You need a valid password for the bonnus search portal.
- Tap the menu icon (three lines) at the top left of the screen, then select "Account Management".
- For USL Bonn, tap "Link account".
- Enter your user number and password.
- Accept the privacy policy and link your library account.
- Then, navigate to your wallet and update it.
That's it! You can now use your digital library card in the Uni Bonn app.
Frequently asked questions on library cards and user accounts
- Members of the University of Bonn (including FFF students)
- All residents of Germany
- All non-residents of Germany
Please note: Non-residents can only use media on site.
Please ask our staff for further information!
To log in to your user account, go to My account in the bonnus search portal and enter your user number. You can find it in the confirmation email that you receive from us after applying for your library card, as well as in the Uni Bonn app.
Your user account
In your account, you can find your stored personal data, such as your address, date of birth, and email address, if applicable. You can also check the expiration date of your library card. See the detailed information on your bonnus account.
Are you logging in for the first time?
Take a look at our step-by-step guide to logging in to your account.
Have you forgotten your password?
Simply click "Forgot Password" on the login page. Enter your user number or email address to receive a new password via email.
If you cannot receive a new password, for example, because you did not enter an email address when you registered, please contact us.
You can pay outstanding late fees and interlibrary loan fees by bank transfer. Please use the following bank details.
It can take up to a week from the time of the transfer to the receipt of the fee at the USL.
No, using and borrowing books is free of charge. Fees are only charged for additional services such as interlibrary loan, overdue or lost items.
The library card is usually valid for 1 year. After that, it must be renewed.
Special rules apply for University of Bonn staff.
If you lose your physical library card, please inform the loan department immediately by telephone or email. See contact for more information. Reissuing the card costs €10.00 (see Fees and Charges). You are personally liable for any misuse of your lost library card that is not immediately reported.
You can update your address yourself in your bonnus account.
Please note that you are legally required to provide accurate and complete information. This information will be used to send you important updates, such as notifications about upcoming loan dates.
Contact the loan department of either the Main Library or the MNL Branch Library during service hours. They will convert your account for you.
Your account will be activated for borrowing and using the booking system once we have verified the documents listed in the confirmation email. You can present your documents in person during service hours at the Main Library or the MNL Branch Library.
If you don't have a mobile device, we will issue you a physical card. After applying for your library account, simply reply to the confirmation email and ask for a physical card.
Please note that your user number will change as a result.
Main Library Loan Department
We are happy to answer any questions about borrowing items, including issuing library cards, taking items out, returning them, renewing them and much more. We are here from 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.
MNL Branch Library Loan Department
We are happy to answer any questions about borrowing items, including issuing library cards, taking items out, returning them, renewing them and much more. We are here from 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.
For domestic and foreign transfers:
IBAN: DE08 3705 0198 0000 0576 95
BIC: COLSDE 33
Recipient: University of Bonn
Reference: 10C-00001-00-12930000 and your user number