70 Years of KIT Library Campus North: Preserve. Renew. Create.
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Greetings from the Director
In 2026, KIT Library on Campus North will celebrate its 70th anniversary - an anniversary that simultaneously stands for the eventful scientific tradition of the location and for the dynamic library of the present.
The library was initially a repository of knowledge for basic research at the Karlsruhe Nuclear Research Center ("Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe"), later became the information center of the Karlsruhe Research Center and is now an institution of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).
It has been supporting cutting-edge research at today's KIT Campus North since 1956. From the very beginning, specialist literature was not only collected and preserved, but also indexed and prepared so that it could be used in the best possible way in research. Very early on, support with publications was also added to the library's tasks.
Over seven decades, not only has research changed fundamentally – KIT Library North itself has also transformed from a classic reference library with print media to a modern, digital information center. Today, it combines historical collections on nuclear research topics with innovative digital services and supports researchers on their journey from the initial idea to publication. Today, KIT Library's northern location is home to the Research Services Department, the Research Data Management Team RDM@KIT, the registry of research data repositories (re3data) and the Specialized Information Service Chemistry ("Fachinformationsdienst Chemie, FID Chemie"), among others.
With this anniversary, we are not only paying tribute to the past, but also looking to the future: today more than ever, libraries are places of knowledge, communication and innovation. They promote open science, data literacy, good scientific practice and are an important part of the digital research infrastructure. KIT Library North will continue to be a reliable partner for research, teaching and innovation.
Dr. Arne Upmeier, Director of KIT Library
Have you heard? In our short podcast series “Andrea fragt Klaus,” we highlight the differences between libraries and archives and answer frequently asked questions, e.g., on the topics of use, acquisition, and preservation of archive and library materials. Podcast language will be in German.
At KIT Library North’s successful Book Swap Frenzy on July 15, 2026, participants browsed, swapped books, and chatted amid glorious summer weather.
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Visit our exhibition in the lobby of KIT Library Campus South and learn about the history and essence of BIB-N from various perspectives and through different stages. Admission is free!
Since 1956, KIT Library has been keeping pace with scientific progress – from printed books to digital research data. Discover how a small specialist library became a modern service facility for open access, research data management, and international networking.
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Have you seen it yet? Several works of art from the KIT art collection are also on display at library locations. We invite you to enrich your lunch break with a little slice of art! Short introductions to various works of art take place on the first Monday of every month at 12 p.m. You can find the exact locations and dates in the schedule.
to the schedule
In our anniversary year, we are offering a short lecture format every third Wednesday of the month starting at 1:30 p.m. to help you get to know our services (even better) and learn more about current and future projects. Come by KIT Library North (Building 303, Pavilion (ground floor)) after your lunch break for a coffee and take away some inspiration for your work.
to the calendar of events
A hacker attack paralyzes an open science conference – and valuable research data is at stake. Only a team of bright minds can solve the digital puzzles, find the right clues, and stop the attack in time. In the RDM Escape Room at KIT Library Campus North, research data management becomes an exciting experience!
Suitable for teams of up to 6 people. Appointments by individual arrangement (Tue, Wed, Thu – in the afternoon).
Please send schedule requests and registrations to: Ausleihe-nord@bibliothek.kit.edu.
scheduling & registration
We invite you to browse through our shelves. Discover curiosities and interesting facts from 70 years library at Campus North. What were the beginnings? How did people work? Has art always been there? A small collection of objects and documents will give you an insight into the first 70 years of the library.
Where? KIT Library North (Building 303), Reading Room
In our anniversary year, we’re offering a short presentation series every third Wednesday of the month starting at 1:30 p.m. to help you get to know our services, resources, & projects.
Topics: Good Research Practice as a Library Issue & Who Owns Research Data? Copyright and Licensing of Research Data.
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In our anniversary year, we’re offering a short presentation series every third Wednesday of the month starting at 1:30 p.m. to help you get to know our services & projects.
Topics: Publishing with visibility, retaining rights – with KIT Scientific Publishing (KSP) & Open Science for Impact: the KIT Open Science Hub.
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