Catalogues or directories of professors already exist at a number of universities in Germany. The FU-Lexikon, however, offers much more than a purely text-based, “dry” record of teaching activities at the University. Links to other data pools and videos make for a colourful window into the diverse world of our University.

On the one hand, the “core data” of a person was linked to other University projects such as the online exhibition Erlebte Geschichte or the concise University chronicle (Kleine Chronik). On the other hand, they were linked to external data available on the Internet. The comprehensive approach was a matter of commitment for our colleague Johannes Hercher. As a systems librarian at the University Library, he developed the technical setup for FU-Lexikon building on the principles of open data and FAIR data (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable). As a result, some of the FU-Lexikon entries include links to historical events, to contemporary interviews with the lecturers or statements about them. Searchable publication lists and links to archive documents complete the profiles.

The new online service was developed by the University Archives and the University Library. The first steps were done at the Archives under the direction of Dr. Birgit Rehse: The core of the content was recorded by Dr. Reinhard Ost and updated and curated by Josepha Schwerma using University Human Resources Department materials.

FU-Lexikon cannot claim to be complete. There is still a lot of information that needs to be added or even corrected. The lexikon should also be kept current as timely as possible, and it will be continuously updated in the future.
Support for this significant endeavor is very welcome: We look forward to your comments and additions. Please use the feedback button on the website, or write an email to: lexikon@campus.fu-berlin.de.