NEWS:

5 Aug, 2015


A library patron passing through the newsly installed 3M Book Detection System
On 29th July, 2015; the library staff and patrons witnessed the installation of a cutting edge book detection system. According to the installation expert, the technology has got a 100% book detection accuracy to avoid false alarms. Mr Daniel K. Nangwale, one of the Library security personnel, attests to the technology’s accuracy percentage as he has not experienced false alarms since the installation of the technology. As such, the system shall greatly help in curbing the theft of books and other library items from the library holdings.

Special thanks should go to CABMACC Programme for providing funds for the purchase and installation of the system to the tune of ZAR182,220 from the 2014/15 CABMACC Library Programme Budget. ZAR119,500 was used to purchase the 3M Book Detection System, ZAR29,200 for the purchase of 3M Bookcheck Unit and ZAR18,500 was used for the technology’s installation services.

The cutting edge technology’s main function of book detection shall greatly help in reducing library patrons’ frustration that arise from searching for library materials that have gone missing through theft. The systems’ headcount functionality shall also greatly help the library management in knowing the total library visitations by patrons on a daily basis for immediate and long range library planning purposes.


The technology was supplied by Seven Seas Trading whilst the installations and system’s training for the Library Staff was done by the dealers CSX Customer Services. Both companies are from South Africa.

Before installation of this Book Detection System, the Library had an old system installed in early 2000s but was not functioning well. However, the old system has not been thrown away, it has since been moved to the old library building entrance.

Written by: Anthony Nyangulu, Chief Library Assistant