Library Solutions
You enter a library, immediately put your books in the cabinet next to the entrance, finished. The system recognises the books, knows who has returned them and confirms the returns on a screen. So you never have to stand in line again, and the staff no longer have to carry out a lot of tedious work.
This intelligent bookcase is an excellent example of the approach of Nedap Library Solutions. There was a good idea, and they had the know-how in house to realise it, so they went for it. The system came on the market in 2001. It is already the standard in Dutch and Belgian libraries, and the concept is currently being rolled out internationally.
Ten years old and already completely mature
The idea to use RFID technology in the library sector originated in 2001. After all, it should be possible - using a smart combination of hardware and software - to make a lot of routine manual work superfluous. This would not only make life easier for visitors, it would mean that library staff have more time for more important matters. After a number of discussions with libraries, it turned out that there was definitely interest in the system. This marked the starting point of Nedap Library Solutions.
Head start in RFID technology
Today, in 2011, Library Solutions is the market leader in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Librix automation systems are operating in more than 550 libraries in 15 countries. From the University library of Djibouti to Abu Dhabi and from the Del Prado Museum in Madrid to the library of Hanover, with 18 branches. And each month, new libraries are signing up. Eventually, all the libraries around the world will be switching to RFID technology, so that is still an interesting challenge.
The strength of Nedap Library Solutions lies in two unique characteristics. Firstly, its head start in RFID technology. It is not for nothing that Library Solutions is the biggest supplier of RFID for libraries in the world. Secondly, Library Solutions is the only supplier offering fully integrated systems developed, produced and tested in house. This makes the systems more stable and ensures greater operational certainty.
The Librix product range includes RFID labels, RFID readers, aerials, self-service stations for loaning and returning, the Smallest Branch (standalone mini library for supermarkets, schools, faculties and homes for the elderly, etc.) intelligent bookcases and shelves, sorting machines and an online monitoring system. The company is currently working on new products, such as the Eco Reader (energy saving), the BiblioCheck Next (a new generation of software) and the Library Controller (reader and computer in one).
Visit the Librix website.
