Munich City Library is the first major library system in Europe to decide to convert both the central library and all of the city's 24 district libraries to a self-service system for checking media in and out on the basis of RFID. This represents the largest European RFID project in the library sector. Work began in January 2006 in conjunction with Bibliotheca RFID Library Systems, with the project scheduled to last until 2009. A total of 100 RFID units will be in operation then. The RFID system perfectly connects with the Astec library software.

An evaluation of the three pilot libraries – including the central library with 1.3 million media – showed that 98 per cent of the 12 million check-outs per year were handled through the terminals, thereby meeting the intended target in full. 99 per cent of returns are covered by BiblioReturn machines.

Besides short waiting times or no waiting at all, as well as discretion when borrowing media, one of the key service improvements is that media can now be returned to the central library even when it is closed. The overwhelming majority of library users welcome the changes and are delighted that their libraries are becoming more innovative and user-friendly. During the BiblioUser Meeting 2008, Dr. Eva Schubert and Marianne Pohl came to the same conclusion as regards the RFID system: “I wouldn’t want to be without it!”

For more information please visit www.muenchner-stadtbibliothek.de