Göttingen City Library to introduce unstaffed self-service hours

The Göttingen City Library in Germany is implementing a new service model starting October 1. To address staffing challenges and extend accessibility, the central library will introduce “service-free” periods where the facility operates without staff.

During these self-service hours, which will be tested until March 2027, patrons can use workspaces, access the collection, use copiers, and utilize computers and printers. Borrowing and returning media, as well as extending loans, can be handled via self-service stations with a valid library card. However, certain items such as Tonies, console games, and objects from the “Library of Things” will remain unavailable during these times.

This initiative follows previous reductions in operating hours due to personnel shortages in 2025.