The Alexandria search portal provides access to the holdings of all libraries affiliated to the Alexandria library network. The swisscovery search interface also gives access to the holdings of 490 Swiss academic libraries. You can use various filter settings to call up resources held at the BiG.

Search functions:

You choose from four different search areas:

• Alexandria (with CDI): Holdings of the Alexandria library network including the Central Discovery Index
• Alexandria (by library): Holdings of the Alexandria library network filtered by library
• swisscovery: Holdings of all 490 participating libraries in Switzerland, without the Central Discovery Index
• swisscovery plus: Holdings of all 490 participating libraries and Renouvaud, including the Central Discovery Index

Further search features:

• For physical items, the search portal lists the locations and the signature under which you can find the required item in the given library. Various locations and signatures are listed. To search for holdings available at the BiG, please activate the corresonding filter setting under ‘Library’.
• Under ‘Status’ you can see whether an item is available. Borrowed items and items with the status ‘In transit’ may be reserved. Further information can be found under the category Lending.
• The search portal takes you directly to the full text of electronic media, if freely accessible. Further information on accessing our online resources can be found under E-media. 
• Under BiG collections you have access to digitised official military publications, digitised special collections und BiG publications. There are also a number of bibliographies  relating to BiG special dossiers. 
• Under Journals you have access to all the journals in the BiG catalogue or that are available online. More information on the journals available online can be found under E-media.

The Alexandria search portal homepage you will find many useful links and further information. If you have any questions about using Alexandria, please write to us at alexandria@gs-vbs.admin.ch. 

Proposing acquisitions

Is a publication missing from the BiG's collection? Suggest it to us!

Inter-library lending

Employees of the Federal Administration and Swiss Armed Forces can use the inter-library lending service free of charge. Books and documents not available at the BiG can be ordered from other libraries in Switzerland and abroad.

Registered users who are not federal employees can make use of this service to a limited extent. You will find more information under Inter-library lending.

Requesting documents

Are you having trouble finding the documents you are looking for? A team of information specialists with an academic background can help you. More information can be found under Requesting documents.