Newsletter 10.2025
1. Saving on resources and stabilizing energy costs: the library gets solar power
20 years after the university library took up residence in Steubenstrasse, the building is now being upgraded with a solar power plant on the roof. The Thüringer Landesamt für Bau und Verkehr is in charge of the operation.
The power plant is specified for 86.7 kWp at peak power. In more accessible terms, this means that on paper it could run 60-70 laptops simultaneously on a sunny day. Over the course of a year, it's expected to output power comparable with the requirements of 25 two person households.
The plan is to put the system into operation from spring 2026. It will mainly supply the Bauhaus-Universität data center right behind the library, which requires large amounts of power year round. In the long run, the solar plant will help the university cover part of its power requirements more sustainably and reduce the need to draw power from the public grid, saving on natural resources and reducing the cost of power at the Steubenstrasse complex.
As a first step, the scaffolding was erected on November 10th 2025 - we do apologize for the inconvenience traversing the square and locking up bikes.
2. New: Guideline for the use of generative AI at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
As part of the licensed Scopus und Statista database services, the library has for some time now offered access to »Scopus AI« and »Research AI by Statista«, two research instruments that work on generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) principles. Both tools are listed as AI applications in the new Bauhaus-Universität Weimar AI Guideline that provides orientation for the responsible use of generative AI in research, art, teaching, and administration. It identifies the opportunities and risks of using AI and provides practical advice for a creative, mindful, and legally compliant approach.
3. Open Access funding: almost 120,000 Euro in follow-up funding for Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar continues to consistently support Open Access, aided by 118,600 Euros in DFG funding for the period of 2026 to 2028. The approval of the funding application demonstrates the University’s strong commitment to making academic research open, sustainable, and freely accessible to both the scientific community and society at large.
A University Library team has managed and organised the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Open Access Publication Fund since 2017. They provide advice to researchers on individual publication and funding strategies.
Since 2019, the DFG’s Open Access funding programmes have made the publication of numerous academic articles and monographs by Bauhaus-Universität Weimar researchers possible in Open Access journals and publishing houses. All funded articles and books are available in Digitale Bibliothek Thüringen.
You can find current information on the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Open Access activities on our website and more information on DFG funding in Bauhaus.Journal Online.
4. »Together against Sexism« - Exhibition in the library building
Until December 14th, the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Equal Opportunity Office presents the exhibition »Together against Sexism« near the Steubenstrasse library entrance.
This poster exhibition provides information on forms, consequences and structures of sexism in everyday life, in the workplace, in culture and the media, and provides an opportunity to reflect on one’s own behaviour.
The exhibition was opened on November 18th by Prof. Peter Benz, the president of Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, and Tina Meinhardt, the university’s Equal Opportunity Officer.
5. Library closed towards the end of the year – and a tip for before the holidays
On Tuesday, December 23rd 2025, the library will be open for you until 6 pm. After that, we’ll be taking our Christmas break until January 4th 2026. During this period the library as well as the whole building will be closed altogether.
Until then, however, why don’t you take a look on our info screen by the entrance every now and then? We’ve prepared another advent calendar and will be recommending movies and shows from many different genres. You may discover something good to borrow on DVD or stream on Filmfriend, AVA or the Bloomsbury Library – all these streaming services are available across campus as part of our library services.
The entire university library team would like you wish you some happy hours in front of the screen and a very merry Christmas time!
Stefanie Röhl
Sachgebietsleiterin
Informationsdienste