31 March 2025 press release

The last few weeks have been spent restructuring, programming and testing - and now everything is ready. The German National Library was the first national library to introduce a self-service area for lending, storage for reuse and returns of media, and is now also doing so at its second location in Frankfurt am Main.

With this, the DNB is breaking new ground and setting new standards of quality and innovation in a new era of digitisation. What makes the prototype so unique is that for the first time, it is now also possible to use media boxes not only to removal media but also to store and return them - all this in compliance with the strict guidelines to which an archival library is subject. This is because the German National Library collects everything published in Germany, in the German language and which relates to Germany - and does so for posterity. No other place has a comparable number of compartments in a system which is operated simultaneously at two locations using the same lending system and which is based on several user stations that interact within one system.

The realisation of this project is a paradigm shift which places the focus on users. The simplicity of use enables users to access media even outside staff service hours, thus widening the availability of knowledge.
The service area now catches all eyes on entering the reading room in Frankfurt. The wooden surfaces of the modern service counter and the newly installed box system create a warm, inviting atmosphere with new seating which also encourages visitors to linger and chat.

More information

Information about using the German National Library
https://www.dnb.de/use

Background

The German National Library collects, documents and archives all written publications and sound recordings issued in Germany since 1913 together with works in German and about Germany published worldwide. The German National Library's unique mandate is to catalogue this ever-growing repository of knowledge and preserve it for posterity. It offers a comprehensive range of services at its sites in Leipzig and Frankfurt am Main along with digital services that can be accessed all over the world. It regularly organises readings, exhibitions, presentations and concerts to draw attention to its holdings and promotes a culture of books, reading and music with a varied programme of events.

The German National Library welcomes donations to support its work. Whether for general purposes or specifically for the areas of education, collections, cultural programmes and research - donations help us preserve our national cultural heritage, educate our public in the fields of science and culture, and kindle their enthusiasm. Any support helps!
www.dnb.de/EN/engagement

Contact

Images for editorial use

Press image material is only available in German.