Taipei Public Library (TPL) introduced its first 24-hour automated book stop at its main library, which allows book lovers to borrow books via an automated management system.
The Fast Book-Automatic Book Stop, located at the entrance of the main library on No. 125 Jianguo S Rd Sec 2, contains more than 400 books that can be borrowed free of charge 24 hours a day.
A fully automated management system allows users to borrow and return books, as well as search for books by inserting the library cards into a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) machine and then placing the books on a pad for automatic identification, before printing out a receipt.
TPL director Hung Shih-chang (洪世昌) said the book stop was the first 24-hour automated book borrowing system to offer convenient service to night owls.
The TPL will soon establish another book stop at Taipei Railway Station, he said.
“The books offered at the book stop are mostly new and popular books and we will seek to expand the service to other branches for the convenience of residents,” he said.
The city opened two other -automated libraries at Carrefour’s Neihu (內湖) store in 2005 and MRT Ximen Station in 2006. Those libraries are open until midnight.
Although the automated libraries have no staff, Hung said the RFID system provides faster and more convenient services and the technology is also equipped with an enhanced security system that helps prevent theft, as user information is kept in the system.
The TPL encouraged book lovers to take advantage of the service, while application forms are available at the main library and all TPL branches for those who do not have a library card.
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