The library
The library holds a comprehensive collection of titles on German maritime history and marine utilization. Materials can be read free of charge in the reading room.
The library collection consists of all areas of German maritime history and marine utilization in its international interconnections. The material currently includes more than 95,000 titles. Most of these are printed monographs, supplemented by around 370 journals. Microfilm and microfiches, CD-ROMs, e-literature and internet research desks round out the services provided to users.
The library is a non-lending library. Technical tools as well as various scanners and copiers, and reading devices for microfilm and microfiches, as well as a limited number of computer workspaces and internet ports are available to visitors. The material can be read free of charge in the reading room.
Opening hours:
Tue – Thu 9.30 am - 12.30 pm
13.00 pm - 16.00 pm
Fri 9.30 am - 14.00 pm
New location
During the reconstruction of the museum, the library is open for you.
You will find us in the fishing port, in the FAMO-building. Our new address is Hoebelstraße 23 in 27572 Bremerhaven. Please use stairs at the back of the building and the designated bell there.
Please continue to send mail to the following address: German Maritime Museum / Leibniz Institute for Maritime History, Library, Hans-Scharoun-Platz 1, 27568 Bremerhaven
We offer various options for literature research and interlibrary loans
Our library stock is listed in its entirety in the online catalogue.
The catalogues are available here:
Alphabetical catalogue
Systematic catalogue
With the exception of valuable items or literature published before 1800, interlibrary loans are also possible subject to the usual conditions.
You can also use the following links to catalogues of other libraries, e-journals or databases for your research:
1. Catalogues of other libraries
Catalogue and database of the GBV
Gemeinsamer Bibliotheksverbund [Joint Association of Libraries] of the states of Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, Upper Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia and of the Preußischer Kulturbesitz foundation.
Regional portal Bremen/Bremerhaven
The catalogue comprises 21 libraries of the state of Bremen, including those not organised under the Gemeinsamen Bibliotheksverbund GBV
KVK
Karlsruhe virtual catalogue: comprehensive listing of the stock of national and international libraries
ZDB
Journal database: listing of journal stocks in German libraries
2. e-Journals
3. Selected databases & shipping registers
LeibnizOpen
The central open-access portal of the Leibniz Association with freely available digital publications from Leibniz institutes
Clio Online
General German scientific portal for history
DBIS
Database info system: Collection of thematically arranged databases, currently freely accessible
German Merchant Fleet
Access available only in the reading room of the library
Register DNV GL
Database of ships registered with DNV GL (Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd)
Bureau Veritas
Register of the years 1829–1914
Lloyd’s Register of Ships online
Register of the years 1764–1945, with minimal gaps
SHIPfinder Online of Lloyd's Register-Fairplay
Access available only in the reading room of the library
SHIPowner Online of Lloyd's Register-Fairplay
Access available only in the reading room of the library
Ship list / German Maritime Museum
Historical boots, ships and other vessels with their technical specifications and dates
4. National licences
For your research we offer you access to online offers otherwise with costs via national licenses.