On April 24, 2006, the library of what was then the University of Karlsruhe became one of the first fully automated large academic libraries in Germany to operate 24/7. Ever since, today’s Library South at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has been a place that never closes. Every day and around the clock, it serves as an environment to learn and work for students and scientists alike. In celebration of the anniversary, an event day themed “20 Years of 24-Hour Library” will take place on July 24, 2026, featuring guided tours and short presentations.
Reading, learning, researching—at any hour of day or night. With its transformation into a 24-hour library in 2006, a new user concept was implemented at the then Technical University of Karlsruhe, one of KIT’s two predecessor institutions. The traditional stack library was expanded to include spacious open-access areas, modern workplaces, RFID-based self-checkout, automatic book returns, and a security and access system for nighttime and weekends.
In the first few months, it already became clear just how great the demand was: Visitor numbers rose significantly, and the library was used extensively not only during the day but also in the evenings, at night, and on weekends. Twenty years later, what was once a pilot project has become a lasting model of success: For many students and researchers, KIT Library South is an integral part of their life and work on campus – with peak usage during exam periods and work on projects.
“KIT’s 24/7 library is a prime example of the combination of excellent infrastructure that is available at all times, a commitment to innovation, and a consistent focus on the needs of students and researchers.It creates space for self-directed learning and scientific research – and is thus an important building block of our academic culture,” says Professor Kora Kristof, Vice President Digitalization and Sustainability at KIT.
“Science and creative thinking cannot be squeezed into strict daily schedules.” Sometimes the best ideas just come in the middle of the night,” says Dr. Arne Upmeier, Director of KIT Library. “We are very proud that our service has become so firmly established over 20 years. However, this success would not have been possible without the tremendous dedication of our team, which works day in and day out to ensure that the library remains open, safe, and service-oriented at all times.”
A Role Model for Different Realities of Life
24/7 operation is a lot more than just extended opening hours: It supports different realities of life. Students with part-time jobs, family obligations, or long commutes can use the library whenever it fits their daily schedules. At the same time, this initiative reinforces the library’s role as a central place for learning, working, and spending time on campus. Quiet individual workspaces, group study rooms, technical infrastructure, digital resources, and access to extensive collections make it a place of academic productivity – and a social space that brings people together.
Ensuring that an academic learning environment operates reliably around the clock is both an organizational and a technical challenge. Access control, security, cleaning, service hours, digital offerings, and the ongoing improvement of the facilities must all work together seamlessly. The KIT Library has continuously refined this interaction over the course of two decades.
Event Day on July 24, 2026
To mark the anniversary, the KIT Library is hosting a special event day on July 24, 2026, themed “20 Years of 24-Hour Library.” Visitors can look forward to insights into the 24-hour library, its history, its services, and its role as a place of learning at KIT. Attending the event is free of charge; registration is not required.
KIT Library
As a key research, teaching, and innovation partner, KIT Library ensures that everyone at KIT has access to the information they need. Using innovative technologies and tailor-made services, it supports the entire research process, promotes information literacy, and provides attractive environments for learning and studying. As part of the “Karlsruhe Model,” KIT Library also integrates the subject libraries of Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) and Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW), thereby contributing to a cross-institutional information infrastructure at the Karlsruhe science location.
“20 Years of 24-Hour Library” Event Day
When? Friday, July 24, 2026, starting at 9:36 hrs
Where? KIT Campus South, Straße am Forum 2 (Building 30.51), 76131 Karlsruhe
Program Highlights
9:36 hrs
“#KVK30.” Uwe Dierolf, Head of IT Services, presents KVK, the virtual Karlsruhe catalog.
10:43 hrs
Guided tour: “Yesterday and Today.” Exclusive insights into the different areas and operations of the 24-hour library.
12:24 hrs
Come together! An open get-together with Library Director Dr. Arne Upmeier and an opportunity to discuss the 20th anniversary of the 24/7 library.
13:31 hrs (also via livestream)
“24/7 in Practice.” Diana Tangen, Head of User Services, discusses the concept, operations, and best practices of the 24-hour library.
14:07 hrs
Guided tour: “Yesterday and Today.” Exclusive insights into the different areas and operations of the 24-hour library.
Information about the “20 Years of 24-Hour Library” event day
KIT-Bibliothek_feiert_Jubilaeum