With the opening of the expansion wing on April 24, 2006, a new chapter in the history of academic library use in Germany began at what was then the Karlsruhe University Library. As one of the first fully automated academic libraries, the University Library provided round-the-clock access to reading rooms and media—regardless of traditional opening hours and without library staff on duty during the night. Within a short time, the traditional lending library transformed into a modern place for learning and working with a clear goal: “never to close again.” 

Even 20 years later, the 24-hour library remains one of the most popular places to study on campus. 

The 24/7 operation is based on a fully technology-driven infrastructure. RFID technology, self-checkout stations, and automated return systems enable users to borrow and return materials at any time of the day or night. Over the years, the offering has been expanded to include additional services such as payment stations, automatic key issuance, and the world’s first interlibrary loan kiosk, which the KIT Library developed in 2009. Continuous technical advancements continue to shape the library to this day.

Thanks to its open-access concept, the KIT Library quickly became a central learning hub on campus. The electronic library card provides round-the-clock access to the subject-specific reading rooms and the extensive open-stack collections. At the same time, the library has evolved into a space that responds flexibly to the needs of diverse user groups—from extended study hours and digital services to practical support for everyday academic life. The concept has thus also become a model for other academic libraries beyond the region.