The library is a central place of learning at Folkwang University of the Arts and acts as source of information for students and teachers. It offers its users support for their studies, research projects and teaching efforts by providing media and information of all kind.
The library grants restricted access to the library to Folkwang members. Plese see Using the library for more information. You can also still use the library's online services. Please note the Folkwang
> Corona-infos and -rules.
If you have any queries, please consult the FAQ below or email us at bibliothek(at)folkwang-uni.de
> New at Folkwang?
> Corona-FAQ
> Scanservice for Folkwang members
Follow us on 
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
If you are currently studying or teaching at Folkwang you are welcome to use our scan service. We will scan material available in the library on Essen-Werden or Duisburg campus within the restrictions of German Copyright Laws (Urheberrecht).
Please send us an email at bibliothek(at)folkwang-uni.de with the following information:
> Author and title of the work
> Title, volume, issue, year of the journal it is contained in (if applicable)
> Title, editor of the work it is contained in (if applicable)
> Page numbers
> Shelf mark ("Signatur") of the item in Essen-Werden / Duisburg. You can look this up in the library catalogue
You may, alternatively, fill out the form and send it to bibliothek(at)folkwang-uni.de with the subject "Scandienst".
Important information on copyright:
_Please note, that it is not allowed to copy or scan entire books or printed music that is still under copyright protection. Single chapters or articles are usually allowed.*
_Scans may only be used for your own academic research, short excerpts may also be used for teaching purposes in class.*
_You are not allowed to perform (live, recorded, streamed or otherwise) any part or excerpts of music from copied or scanned material that is still under copyright protection. Copies and scans are only allowed for academic research.*
If an item is not available in Essen-Werden or Duisburg, you may consider inter library loan (Fernleihe). Please contact us at bibliothek(at)folkwang-uni.de if you have any queries.
*Only for your information, this is not legal advice.
Dear all,
Welcome to Folkwang in these unusual times. While access to the library is restricted at the moment, the library team is working hard to provide you with literature and information.
Usually, we would be able to offer guided tours of the library. As this is not currently possible, we are happy to give you a brief introduction to the library services on this website.
You are welcome to browse the library's homepage and give some of the online services a go. Please don't hesitate to send us an email at bibliothek(at)folkwang-uni.de if you have any queries.
Best wishes for your time at Folkwang, stay safe!
Your Folkwang library team
If in doubt: ask a librarian. Just drop us an email at bibliothek(at)folkwang-uni.de. You will find more information on the members of the team here. We are happy to help you find information and answer your questions.
If you wish to visit the library, you can do that. Please see Using the library prior to your visit, as there are currently restrictions in place due to the pandemic.
You can find items that are on the shelves es well as online content in the library catalogue.
As our library search engine (catalogue) is quite new and still underdoing "construction", we ask you to bear with us if you encounter oddities and bugs. You are very welcome to contact us through the feedback button in the catalogue or by email (bibliothek(at)folkwang-uni.de) if you need help or have any suggestions or feedback for the catalogue.
We haven't come round to translating our guide to the catalogue (in German) into English but it might still be useful.
Please note, that some online content in the catalogue requires a login. If you encounter such databases or streaming services please follow the instructions below or see online services.
As members of the Folkwang familiy you have access to a number of licenced databases and streaming services the library has subscribed to.
In order to acces those from home, please log-in through https://ez.folkwang-uni.de using the Folkwang user ID and password that have been sent to you with your enrollment papers. You will be able to choose the database from a list.
See also Online services > DigiTips- We are happy to answer any qustions by email: bibliothek(at)folkwang-uni.de
Note that open access content is also available through the library catalogue, no log-in required.
We currently offer to scan parts of books and music available on the shelves in the library and send them to you. This service ist available to Folkwang members only.
Please note that we are limited by copyright law in what we can provide for you. We are, for instance, not allowed to scan entire books and all copies and scans are only allowed to be used for research or learning purposes. See Scan service for more information.
Facts & data
The main building of the Folkwang Library sits on the Essen-Werden Campus right next to the main building of the university. The library has two other branches, one in Duisburg and one in the Theaterzentrum Bochum. All branches are closed at the moment due to the ongoing pandemic. For more information see FAQ about the library in times of Corona and Folkwang Corona information.
Apart from the online services the library - usually - offers access to about 200,000 items on the shelves. These include books, journals, music, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, VHS and even a few audio cassettes.
Our main topics are music, performing arts, design and education, however, holdings cover other subjects, too. At the moment, we cannot give you access to the items on the shelves but hopefully, you will have an oportunity to visit the library in person during your time at Folkwang.
The library building
The main building of the library in Essen-Werden was opened on the 19th of September, 2012, after three years of construction. The building was designed by Max Dudler. See more informatione here.
The library team
We may be working behind closed doors and from home but we are there for you. Please send us an email at bibliothek(at)folkwang-uni.de if you have any questions. We are happy to help.
Folkwang members (students and staff) may visit the library. Please note that there are restrictions in place and opening hours are limited. The library remains closed until further notice for non-members (including alumni). However, you may return items to the library using the return basket near the entrance or mail them to the library.
Due to the spread of the coronavirus, the Folkwang University of the Arts has taken measures – based on federal, state and municipal regulations – to protect its university members and reduce the rate of infections. The measures taken by the Folkwang University of the Arts will remain in effect until further notice and be continually adapted in line with the relevant day-to-day political developments. Please visit Folkwang Corona Information for details.
Due to the pandemic the library has taken measures in accordance with the current measures for all Folkwang campuses. Please visit our Using the library page before your visit.
For information on the Duisburg-Essen University Library please consult their website.
Please renew library items before they are due in order to avoid fees (please check the library website for updates).
Usually, it is not possible to renew items from inter library loan. Please return them on their due date at the latest. You may mail us library items as well:
Folkwang Universität der Künste
Bibliothek
Klemensborn 39
45239 Essen
Please contact the library at bibliothek(at)folkwang-uni.de if you have questions or concerns.
You can pay your fees during opening hours (in cash). Please see Using the library before your visit.
Please renew or return items from inter library loan (Fernleihe) on time to avoid fees. You may return items in person or mail them to the library.
Mailing address:
Folkwang Universität der Künste
Bibliothek
Klemensborn 39
45239 Essen
If you are a Folkwang member you can check out items during opening hours. Please see Using the library prior to your visit.
If you are a Folkwang member you can order items from other libraries via inter library loan. Please contact us using the email bibliothek(at)folkwang-uni.de if you have any questions.
Yes. You can return items using the postal services or return them im person during opening hours.
Mailing address:
Folkwang Universität der Künste
Bibliothek
Klemensborn 39
45239 Essen
Please email us at bibliothek(at)folkwang-uni.de with your name and libraryID (on the back of your library card, starting with "E", on your preliminary paper card with "$MHE"). We will renew your account.
If you are a Folkwang member, you can renew your card in person (see Using the library).
Yes. The library offers a variety of online services and content. Some of the databases and streaming services are listed below. You can log into licenced databases using your Folkwang-ID at https://ez.folkwang-uni.de/login.
Folkwang students and staff can access licenced databases from home via https://ez.folkwang-uni.de/login using their Folkwang-ID.
Please contact us using the email address bibliothek(at)folkwang-uni.de