Osaka University, Kinokuniya Bookstore, and Panasonic Connect will install entrance gates and automatic book lending/return devices linked to a facial recognition system at four libraries affiliated with Osaka University, including the Osaka University General Library in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture. The entrance gates will be operational from May, and the automatic book lending/return devices will be operational from autumn.
Osaka University will build an integrated ID infrastructure called the "OUID System" in 2024, which will enable lifelong ID use for approximately 3 current students and faculty and staff, as well as applicants, alumni, and former faculty and staff. A facial recognition entrance management system will be built in April 2024, and the number of buildings and conference rooms where facial recognition can be used for entry and exit will be gradually expanded.
This time, the system will be linked to the entrance gates and automatic lending/return devices of the General Library, as well as the Life Sciences Library, Science and Engineering Library in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, and the Foreign Studies Library in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture, enabling entry and book lending by facial recognition, thereby improving convenience for users.
Osaka University Library has a total of over 95 visitors per year, and over 33 books borrowed. While students can use their magnetic student ID cards to borrow books, faculty and staff must apply for a library card, which places a heavy burden on library staff to issue and manage the cards. In the future, the library plans to allocate human resources to developing new library services, such as open access to academic papers, and to realize a library digital transformation that creates added value for both users and administrators.
