The library at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts offers much more than just books: for many years now, students have been able to borrow notebooks in addition to specialist literature. The first expansion of the range of technical equipment available for loan took place in the fall of 2022, when the library purchased electricity meters in connection with the energy-saving campaign "Together less ..." electricity meters, which can be borrowed from all three locations.
Now even more devices are being added: the library is now also lending out wireless noise-canceling headphones, mini projectors and so-called conference owls, i.e. combinations of a 360° camera, loudspeaker and microphone for use in hybrid meetings, at the Emil-Figge-Str. 44 and Sonnenstraße locations.
Support in various learning situations
For Library Director Mario Hütte, the expanded range of services is a logical step: "Lending is one of the core competencies of a library - we don't necessarily have to limit ourselves to literature and media," he explains the idea behind the new service. He selected the devices in consultation with Prof. Dr. Tamara Appel, Vice-Rector for Teaching and Studies. "We want to provide devices that offer practical benefits for students and student project groups," says Hütte.
All devices can be borrowed for 2 weeks (also for employees) and are issued, including accessories, on request at the circulation desk. If all devices of one type are currently on loan, a reservation can be made via the RiO literature search engine, just as with other media.
Technical information, a list of accessories and a direct link to the devices in RiO can be found here: