A Fresh Boost with RFID – Thanks to the Saxon Library Award
Sophie Kleis, Director of the Wurzen Public Library, has a clear message for small libraries in rural areas: “Be brave and apply for awards and funding programs! False modesty won’t get us anywhere!” In October 2024, the Wurzen Public Library in Germany was honored with the Saxon Library Award 2024, jointly presented by the Saxon Minister of State for Culture and Tourism and the Saxon Library Association.
The award recognized the library’s innovative efforts to engage the community and its redesign of the children’s and youth area, which meets user needs while focusing on sustainability and social cohesion. Wurzen used the prize money to invest in the technical modernization of its services with RFID technology. Nexbib won the tender.
“We wanted to create more time and space for programming and events,” explains Sophie Kleis. “Choosing RFID technology was the ideal solution to ease the workload at the front desk and reassign staff to more meaningful tasks.” Today, users borrow and return materials independently using two self-service kiosks. Fees can also be paid directly at the Nex.Kiosk Nordic, which features electronic height adjustment to ensure accessibility for all.
The conversion of the collection, involving the tagging of 33,000 media items with RFID labels, took just a few weeks. At the same time, the collection was reviewed and streamlined: 11,000 outdated items were removed, new display areas were created, and the overall user experience was enhanced. “Our collection is now fresh and up to date; the atmosphere is welcoming,” says the library director. “The library has been visibly upgraded in many ways – as an inspiring third place equipped with modern technology.”
In the long run, the investment will pay off: The team is now freed from item check-outs and returns and can dedicate more time to people and community work. The borrowing process is now significantly more flexible, faster, and less stressful for both users and staff. Long queues at the service desk are a thing of the past. New offerings are expected to attract more visitors and new target groups. Planned next steps include an outdoor pickup locker and an audio-chair.
“RFID is absolutely up to date and a smart investment for any library that wants to stay relevant and provide future-ready services to the community,” concludes the forward-thinking librarian.
Photos © Wurzen Public Library
About Wurzen Public Library
The Wurzen Public Library was originally founded in 1928. Today, it offers the town’s 16,000 residents’ access to a modern collection of approximately 33,000 analog and digital media items.
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