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Lübeck City Library: Digitization is picking up speed!
On October 24th, 2025, the digital transformation of the city library in Lübeck will be pushed forward, including self-checkout systems.
Lübeck City Library: Digitization is picking up speed!
The Lübeck City Library is currently working on the digital infrastructure in order to offer readers a modern library experience in the future. The focus is particularly on the introduction of a self-checkout system, which will enable users to borrow and return media independently. These innovations come just in time for “Libraries Day” on October 24th, which was founded by Richard von Weizsäcker and underlines the importance of libraries. However, city libraries face many challenges, from access to digital works to optimizing internal processes, such as ln-online.de reported.
On October 27th, the city library will begin attaching over 400,000 RFID labels to realize the first stage on the path to self-checkout. RFID, which stands for “Radio Frequency Identification,” allows libraries to manage media efficiently and offer users more flexibility. The planned self-checkout terminals will help readers to issue and return media at lightning speed. And all of this without direct contact with staff, which is a welcome relief for many, as the Fachstelle for Public Libraries explains.
The path to digitalization
The switch to the self-checkout system is planned for 2026, depending on the city library's financial and human resources. The first implementations are to take place in the open library projects in Travemünde and Kücknitz. An open library is also being planned for the Moisling district library, which can benefit from the new systems.
An additional online payment system for rental fees will increase user-friendliness and is also planned for 2026. While many libraries now offer apps for catalogs and user accounts, the Lübeck City Library has decided not to do this for the time being because users have not indicated a need. Data protection concerns regarding third-party apps could have played a role, as bibliotheksportal.de notes.
Usability and challenges
The introduction of RFID systems not only makes loan processes more efficient, but is also expected to relieve the burden of routine activities on staff. Users benefit from greater flexibility and independence when borrowing and returning media. The RFID system also makes inventory maintenance in the libraries easier. The reader recognizes media tags even without direct line of sight, enabling batch booking - a significant improvement compared to traditional lending methods.
However, these advances are not without challenges. The initial investments in new hardware and the necessary training of staff represent a certain financial pressure. There are also technical barriers, especially for older users. The library is also not affected by concerns about data protection, although the library software used meets certain standards and does not store sensitive data that allows conclusions to be drawn about media usage behavior, as stated in the reports.
The progress in the Lübeck city library shows that the step into the digital future not only offers new opportunities, but also brings with it challenges. It remains exciting to see how developments will develop in the coming years.