Bibliotheca announced the recent large-scale installation of its RFID-based automated material handling solutions in one of Berlin’s major public libraries, the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Library.

The deployment includes Bibliotheca’s 400 series return and sorting system – ‘smartreturn’ and ‘smartsort’ – which offers sorting speeds of 2,400 item/hour. Additionally, Dietrich Bonhoeffer is able to offer patrons self-service checkout through the ‘smartserve’ 700.

The self-service functionality offered with the Bibliotheca solution frees up library staff, enabling them to provide more efficient and effective customer service. Bibliotheca ‘smartgate’ 400 security units also help staff in reducing accidental or intentional removal of library items. A configurable alert provides an immediate audible and/or visual warning.

The Bibliotheca RFID system has been installed in 23 Berlin public libraries, with the entire project of around 75 libraries and mobile libraries expected to be completed by autumn 2013.