The use of RFID in the architecture library of the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) since March 2008 is a groundbreaking pilot project. The architecture library secured its 35,000 media with book labels and CD complete solutions. After the introduction of an RFID access control over the whole campus, using a Polyright product, it was a logical step to install a complete RFID solution with SelfCheck, DoubleGate, staff check-out facilities and People Counter. A BiblioWand for efficient inventory control is also in use.

The response to the RFID system among staff and library patrons has been extremely positive. “The BiblioChip system is user-friendly, frees up staff for consultation and reduces the theft rate. As a technologically advanced system it definitely supports our image as a modern university library,” comments library director Steven Gheyselinck.

The Zurich ETH Library-IT Department coordinated the configuration of interfaces with the ALEPH library system. For this purpose Bibliotheca acquired a special license to ensure a smooth transition. Integration into the existing library system - an essential aspect of the implementation of an RFID system - is now solved for all libraries in the NEBIS network.
The EPFL is one of two technical universities in Switzerland and is regarded as renowned, international centre of teaching, research and science. It also participates in NEBIS, the web-based catalogue database which currently incorporates the holdings of over 80 Swiss libraries with a total of some 3.8 million media.

The architecture library is one of 24 faculty libraries at EPFL. At the end of 2009 the new construction of a cross-disciplinary “Learning Center” will be completed, an extensive complex comprising library, study and service facilities. After the success of the pilot system in the architecture library, Bibliotheca is set to equip the entire center.

More on the libraries at EPFL at
http://library.epfl.ch.