Siemens has supplied a fully interoperable system comprising intruder detection, video surveillance, fire detection and a danger management system to protect Bibliotheca Albertina, the main building of the University Library in Leipzig, one of the oldest German university libraries.
Established in 1543, it serves as a source of literature and information for the University as well as the local public. Its extensive historical and special collections are nationally and internationally recognised.
The complete system of safety and security was designed and installed in three stages to provide increased protection for university staff and students, the borrowing public and the library’s many assets – precious books in particular – against fire, damage and theft.
Comprehensive system
The intrusion detection system is comprised of 1,216 sensor groups and 26 block lock areas with 83 door and window protections for periphery protection purposes. 125 single and dual technology motion detectors secure the various areas of the library, whilst 12 vitrine detectors and 23 picture sensors from Siemens protect specific exhibits.
32 seismic detectors from Siemens are also installed in the vault used to secure the most valuable books of the library. The alarm system is linked to a video surveillance system which includes digital recording and storage of video images, with data collected by 17 cameras. Automatic video recording is triggered in case of intrusion alarms or misuse of emergency exits, enabling rapid event investigation.
The AlgoRex fire detection system from Siemens comprises 270 sensor groups with over 1,000 detectors, 21 smoke suction systems, smoke and heat exhaust system with 10 panels and 60 drives, plus emergency door protection with 23 panels.
Managing danger
The library’s danger management system (DMS) brings the intrusion and fire system together, as well as enabling building comfort functionality control. Each system can be accessed independently via the DMS.
The library’s system is used as a remote management station, and networks with the most important locations of the University via Ethernet.
As well as the main building, Bibliotheca Albertina, the library consists of forty other branches situated near relevant academic institutions. Current stock comprises five million volumes and about 7,700 periodicals. Collections range from important medieval and modern manuscripts to incunabula, papyri, autographs, ostraka and coins.
