PU library to remain open 24 hours

An Auto Issue system will be set up to facilitate 24-hour issue and return of books.

The A-I system will require students to punch in their identification proof the campus ID-card for issuing a book. For return, drop boxes will be placed outside the library.

PU authorities said the library would be the first in the country to adopt an upgraded security system 8211; Radio Frequency Identification Technology 8211; to ensure that no book is sneaked off the premises.

Librarian V K Anand told Newsline: 8220;A chip will be inserted in every book, which will store the book8217;s description including author and title. Once the book is issued, the chip will be rendered non-functional. Otherwise, the chip will start beeping if taken out of the premises.8221;

As a part of the RFID technology, the library will have a digital library assistant to help locate books.

8220;Books kept on the inappropriate shelves can be located in no time at all. Otherwise, it takes us around 45 minutes to get rectify the stock,8221; added Anand.

The Panjab University Library houses 7 lakh books.