For this purpose, a special reader pass is still required (user group 88).
You can have this reader pass issued to you in the manuscript reading room on presentation of an identification document. (Prior notification is appreciated.) A handout is available with information on how to search effectively. The staff members of the Department of Manuscripts and Rare Books will of course continue to assist you with any questions and problems possibly encountered.

Handout on searching and ordering manuscripts and prints  (PDF, 866 KB)

The search in the OPACplus/ BSB catalogue offers a number of advantages in comparison to the search possibilities so far: Not only can such unique or extremely rare documents now be ordered in advance from home, but information is also provided at once whether there are any secondary forms available, such as digital copies and microfilms. You can also obtain reliable information on whether the item in question can be ordered at all or is possibly subject to (temporary) use restrictions. For searching manuscripts, it is sufficient to enter the call number in the search box ("All fields") or in the title box of the advanced search. In addition, also the old call numbers – such as Cim., Cod.c.pict., Cod.bav., etc. – are searchable in many cases (search box ("All fields")).