
FAQ from the library of the HMT Leipzig on the current situation
Last week, on 28 October 26, the University of Leipzig was the target of an attack on its IT systems. Protective measures were taken immediately, which are also serving to aid the analysis and investigation. As a result, the University of Leipzig’s entire digital infrastructure is now offline for an as yet indefinite period. You can find the latest information on the situation at the University of Leipzig on the University of Leipzig’s website.
Due to the centralisation of services, some of HMT Leipzig’s IT systems are also affected. We describe the resulting restrictions on library services in the FAQs below.
+++ UPDATE 04.11.2026: The University of Leipzig has announced that the eduroam Wi-Fi is available again. +++
Has the library of the HMT Leipzig also been affected by the cyber-attack on the University of Leipzig’s IT systems?
Indirectly, yes, the MT-Katalog has been offline since 28 October 2026.
It is currently impossible to estimate how long this situation will last. As the disruptions are linked to the University of Leipzig’s IT infrastructure, we have no influence over their resolution.
We will keep you updated on developments via this website and Instagram.
Is the library of the HMT Leipzig still open?
Yes, the library is open during its usual opening hours. You can access the collections, study spaces, equipment and library PCs as usual.
Can I search the library of the HMT Leipzig’s collection?
Not online; the MT-Katalog is not available. Please direct any search enquiries
- by telephone to 0341 2144 633 or
- by email to bibliothek@hmt-leipzig.de or
- in person to the staff at the circulation desk.
Work is currently underway to make the local collections searchable on-site for users.
Can I access the licensed online resources (e-books, e-journals, databases)?
Yes, licensed online resources can still be used.
Licensed databases and streaming services (e.g. MGG, AVA Film Library, Naxos) can be found on the library’s website under Online Services > Apps & Datenbanken im Fernzugriff. Please use the links provided there to access these resources from outside the HMT, even if you are within the HMT Leipzig.
Licensed e-books and e-journals can also be accessed. Please direct any search enquiries regarding e-books and e-journals on site to the staff at the circulation desk or to the library’s central contact details:
- Telephone: 0341 2144 633
- Email: bibliothek@hmt-leipzig.de
You can search for and access open-access online publications via the following link: https://open.boss.bsz-bw.de/
Can I borrow, order and return items?
Yes, items can be borrowed and returned in person. To order from the stacks, please contact us
- by telephone at 0341 2144 633 or
- by email at bibliothek@hmt-leipzig.de or
- in person at the circulation desk.
Can I reserve items?
Yes, items that are currently on loan can be reserved for you by our staff. Please contact us with your reservation requests
- by telephone at 0341 2144 633 or
- by email at bibliothek@hmt-leipzig.de or
- in person at the circulation desk.
Can I extend loan periods?
Yes, loan periods can be extended in person at the circulation desk or via the library’s central contact details:
- Telephone: 0341 2144 633
- Email: bibliothek@hmt-leipzig.de
I don’t know when the loan period for the items I’ve borrowed expires. What happens if I return them late?
That’s not a problem. You can enquire about and extend your loan periods in person at the circulation desk or via the library’s central contact details:
- Telephone: 0341 2144 633
- Email: bibliothek@hmt-leipzig.de
If you exceed the loan periods, no fines will be charged for the period during which the MT-Katalog is unavailable. The charging of overdue fees has been suspended until further notice.
Can I pay my library fees?
Yes, you can pay any fees you have accumulated so far in cash at the library as usual.
No late fees will be charged for overdue items whilst the MT-Katalog is unavailable. The charging of overdue fees has been suspended until further notice.
How can I contact the library at the moment?
Library staff are available as usual, as are the central service contact points. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
- Telephone: 0341 2144 633
- Email: bibliothek@hmt-leipzig.de