The Library A-Z

Architecture and decoration

The building that houses the Humanities and Social Sciences Library is named after Georg Sverdrup, the founder and first library director of the University of Oslo Library. Drawn by Are Telje of the former Telje-Torp-Aasen architectural firm, the building was completed in September 1999.

BIBSYS

BIBSYS Ask  is the library catalogue and search engine. BIBSYS Ask primarily contains books and journals.

Our library code is UHS.
Using BIBSYS Ask you can order books from the closed stacks and reserve books which are already on loan.

Book collections

The open stacks are arranged in subject order by Dewey Decimal Classification:

000
Generalities – level 2
100
Philosophy – level 3
150-159
Psychology – level 2
200
Theology – level 3
300
Social Sciences, Education – level 2
400
Languages – level 3 and 4
500
Natural sciences, Mathematics – level 2
600
Applied sciences, Medicine – level 2
700
Arts – level 3
800
Literature – level 3 and 4
900
Geography, History – level 2
000 - 999
Classics and oriental subjects - level 4 

The Fiction collection is on level U/-1 in open stacks with code S-Litt in BIBSYS Ask.
Volumes from the closed stacks can be ordered through BIBSYS Ask.
 

Borrowing

Borrowing period is 1 week. Please be aware of the library regulations for ISS-students.
 

Circulation desk

The Circulation desk is on level 1.
 

Closed Stacks: Ordering

Most of the library’s older collections are kept in closed stacks. You can order through BIBSYS for pick up at the circulation desk. Delivery time: the next day after 2 pm. Requests on Friday will be delevered on Monday after 2 pm.

 

Copying

Photocopiers are available in separate cubicles on all levels. Copy cards can be bought at Akademika book store on Campus Blindern.

 

Food and beverage

Georg, the student cafe in the Georg Sverdrup building, is outside the library, on level 2.
The coffee bar, Kafé Sverdrup, is next to the canteen.

You are not allowed to bring food or drink into the library.

 

Internet

Internet access is available on terminals on the right hand side on level 1, and on all computers marked with a red dot on all levels. Computers marked with red require log on with your UiO username and password.

 

Interlibrary loans

Interlibrary loans are not available for International Summer School Students.
 

Journals

The latest issues are on level 1 – arranged by Dewey Decimal Classification. Earlier volumes of current periodicals (later than 1980) are in open stacks in alphabetical order on level U/-1. Volumes from 1979 and earlier are kept in closed stacks and can be ordered through BIBSYS Ask.

 

Laptop computers

Internet connection for wireless laptop computers on all levels.
 

Library cards

You don't need to register to use the library, only if you want to check out books. Library cards are issued at the Circulation desk on level 1. Please bring your ISS-card.
 

Logging on in the Library

You are required to logon with your UiO username and password in order to access electronic resources at the University Library, such as databases, full text journals, printers, e-mail etc. Use the PCs with a red dot on all levels to log on.
 

Newspaper collection

The newspaper reading area is on level 1. Some back issues are available.
 

Opening hours

Opening hours may vary during national holidays and the summer.
 

Reference collections

Collections of reference books, bibliographies, encyclopedias, atlas etc. are on all levels.
Codes in BIBSYS:

Ref1 ... – level 1
Ref2 ... – level 2
Ref3 ... – level 3
Ref4 ... – level 4
 

Reference desks

There are reference desks on all levels. In summer use the reference desk on level 1.
 

Regulations in the library 

A Workplace
People use the library to read and work. Conversations must therefore be in a low-voiced manner to avoid disturbing others.
Use the study rooms or the café for longer conversations and discussions.

Mobile Phones?
Mobile phones must be turned to silent ring mode, and the sound on lap tops must be switched off. Remember that all mobile
phone conversations in the staircases or in the printer rooms can be heard loud and clear from most of the reading areas.

Keep It Nice
Tidy your study place when you leave it. Nobody likes to take over other people's clutter.

Available for All
The study places are available for all and can not be reserved. Use the library’s absence notes for shorter breaks.

Be Aware
Watch out for thives in the library! Secure your lap top, or bring it with you when you leave your study place. There are large
lockers in the basement that can be used to store your bags and jacket.  
 

Renewals

Any borrowed book not reserved by someone else may be renewed.
 

Reservations

You may reserve books through BIBSYS Ask. 
 

Searching

• BIBSYS – the library catalogue

• NORART – Norwegian journal articles

The library subscribes to a wide range of databases. You will get help with the choice, access and use at the Reference desk.
 

Self service

Search in the catalogue BIBSYS Ask to find books and other materials. The map button in BIBSYS Ask will show a map of the material's location in the library.
You have to collect the materials directly from the open shelves.
You can check out books on the self service machines in front of the circulation desk.

The library has a self-return machine by the entrance.