This summer, the CTU Central Library will transition to a new library system as part of the CARDS project, which involves academic and research libraries from across the Czech Republic. The goal of the project is to create a shared library and information platform and a unified search interface that will make it easier for users to access both print and electronic resources.The CARDS project is creating a shared library and discovery platform for Czech academic and research libraries, making access to information resources more efficient, intuitive, and user-friendly than ever before.
What benefits can you expect?
- A single modern search interface for print, electronic, and digital resources
- Easier and more intuitive account management
- Unified authentication across CTU systems
- Better access to library services and information resources
- A modern technology platform designed to support contemporary study, teaching, and research needs
Temporary service interruptions during the migration
To ensure a smooth and secure migration to the new system, some library services will be temporarily unavailable during the summer months.
- All CTU libraries will be closed during the migration period from August 10 to August 21, 2026.
- The library catalogue will be unavailable for a limited period.
- Access to electronic resources via the Summon discovery service will remain available throughout the migration.
- Please plan your borrowing and reservation requests with the temporary closure and service limitations in mind.
No need to worry about your loans
All current loans will be automatically renewed, so there is no need to extend them in advance. Borrowed items can be returned after the libraries reopen following the migration period.
What will happen to user accounts?
Active user accounts and current loans will be transferred automatically.
However, certain personal data stored in the current catalog will not be transferred, such as:
- loan history,
- saved searches,
- favourite records and lists,
- other personal settings and preferences.
If you would like to keep this information, we recommend backing it up before the migration begins.
Please also note that pending hold and reservation requests will not be transferred to the new system.
New login process and online registration
The new discovery interface will introduce a unified authentication method aligned with other CTU systems. Student and academic staff registration will be completed online through the Usermap system.
CARDS Project
CARDS (Czech Academic and Research Discovery Services) is a joint initiative of academic and research libraries in the Czech Republic. Its goal is to improve the discovery and accessibility of electronic, digitized, and print resources, as well as research outputs, through a shared discovery interface. More than thirty institutions are participating in the project, which is coordinated by the National Library of Technology.
CTU is part of the first of three migration waves, together with the University of South Bohemia, Masaryk University, the National Library of Technology, and Brno University of Technology.
Learn more about the CARDS project
Stay informed
Instructions for registration and login, migration updates, and important dates will be published regularly on the CTU Central Library website.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this important upgrade. We are confident that the new system will provide faster, more convenient, and more efficient access to the resources and services you need for your studies, teaching, and research.