1.3 Million Books in National Library Accessible via Rail System
The Nation Library, located in the Presidential Complex and opened by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on February 20, 2020, has introduced an innovative Integrated Book Transportation System that has revolutionized the way books are accessed by readers.
With its impressive collection, 125 thousand square meters of indoor area, and a high number of visits, the Nation Library has established itself as one of the leading libraries in the world. Last year, the library welcomed 2 million visitors, showcasing its popularity among the public.
The Integrated Book Transportation System, which is used in 160 libraries worldwide, has now been implemented in the Nation Library. This cutting-edge system features a rail length of 5.5 kilometers and enables the easy access of approximately 1 million 300 thousand books stored in the library’s warehouses. The system operates with 100 automatic and 50 manual book transport vehicles, ensuring efficient and quick delivery of requested books to readers.
Head of the Presidency National Library Department, Ayhan Tuğlu, explained that the installation of the Integrated Book Transportation System faced delays due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but it was successfully completed at the beginning of 2024. After an 8-month testing period, the system was officially put into service just a month ago.
Readers at the Nation Library can now request a book from the warehouse through the catalogue scanning screen. The book is then transported on rails by the warehouse staff to the desired location within minutes, thanks to the semi-autonomous system in place. Books can also be returned through automatic return devices, which efficiently sort and return them to their respective shelves.
The introduction of the Integrated Book Transportation System has further enhanced the reading experience at the Nation Library, making it easier and more convenient for visitors to access a wide range of books. This innovative system reinforces the library’s commitment to providing a modern and efficient literary service to its readers.
