Start of the usage of the self-checkout devices with RFID technology at the campus in Bayreuth

Starting June 2025, users of the Departmental Libraries NW I, NW II and GEO are able to borrow books on their own using the self-checkout devices. In the Main Library, the official starting date was July 21st 2025, due to needed preparatory work on the items. Chancellor Mrs Dr Nicole Kaiser was able to get an impression of the new equipment, which was co-financed by the university administration. She was also the first person to use the self-checkout device in order to borrow a book in the Main Library (ZB) (see picture).

Currently, users can only take out open stacks holdings (Freihandbestände) to borrow on their own. Items that have been ordered currently still need to be picked up at the circulation desk. In the near future, we plan to install a special shelf for ordered media, wherein items will be sorted according to a code made up of the first few letters of the last name of the user and the last four digits of their user number. Borrowing media at the circulation desk with the help of the library staff will still be necessary for certain types of media, such as microfiches and microfilms as well as for any reading room only materials. Returning items still needs to be done at the circulation desk.

While self-checkout will grant the users more independence, the library staff however will still be happy to answer your questions and be of any help necessary.