Reimagining study space booking: Reservation system for libraries at LMU

3 min

Lernplätze & -räume der Universitätsbibliothek der LMU, die mit anny buchbar gemacht werden

What challenges did LMU face before anny?

The University Library of LMU Munich is one of the largest scientific library systems in Germany. Fourteen specialized libraries, four learning centers, and approximately 4,000 reading spaces are utilized by millions of students each year. In 2024, there were 3.6 million visits, averaging 10,000 per day.

This regularly led to overcrowded rooms and a disrupted learning atmosphere, especially during exam periods. A temporary reservation system, introduced during the pandemic, did not offer a sustainable solution. It was functionally limited and not user-friendly.

The key requirements for a new booking system

The focus was on optimal utilization of available resources and the satisfaction of students and researchers, but also on relieving library staff through streamlined processes.

Key criteria were:

Fully digital process: from reservation to arrival in the reading room
Self-management of bookings by users, without labor-intensive activities such as checks
Simple and intuitive operation
Free access to libraries without unnecessary hurdles
Avoidance of restrictive booking rules or complicated processes
Integration with LMU's ID management to offer faculties their own reservation options
Cross-location transparency for group and special rooms, ensuring resources are visible and fairly usable

The goals were clear: to guarantee all LMU users a place even during peak occupancy periods, to make visits plannable, to consider the interests of individual departments, and simultaneously to better manage visitor flows across all locations.

Why did LMU choose anny as their booking system?

The decision-makers at UB LMU were looking for a solution that not only efficiently manages capacity but also enhances user-friendliness. In March 2023, they chose anny. Key factors included the immediate readiness, the extensive range of features, and the ability to accommodate specific LMU requirements. By September 2023, anny was successfully implemented.

How does learning space booking work with anny?

Students and staff of the university can easily log in via app or web portal using their LMU ID. Based on this, they are automatically assigned to a community (= faculty of LMU). These communities are a crucial component: they ensure that specific allocations are reserved for respective departments. For example, about one-third of the reading spaces in each specialized library are exclusively available to members of that faculty, while reading spaces in learning centers can be reserved by all LMU members. During particularly intense exam periods, an additional 533 spaces are released in the two most popular libraries. This has significantly reduced bottlenecks.

Through the app, users can instantly see which spaces or group rooms are available for their community and can book them. Spontaneous bookings on-site are also possible; reservable reading spaces are marked with a QR code stand. In both cases, attendance must be confirmed via app or email link. Expired reservations are automatically released again.

What results has LMU achieved with anny?

The introduction of anny has shown impressive results:

Up to 4,000 reservations per day during the semester, and even up to 6,000 during exam periods
Around 800 reservations per day on average annually
Complaint volume has almost dropped to zero
Learning atmosphere significantly improved, stress levels noticeably reduced

Visitor flows are now efficiently distributed across all locations. Overcrowded rooms are a thing of the past, and capacities are optimally utilized.

Positive feedback from the students

Among users, there is a very high acceptance of anny, and there are many positive feedbacks. The following points are often highlighted positively:

Intuitive operation via smartphone
Transparent, fair balancing of interests through the communities
Improved learning atmosphere even during exam periods
Transparent and fair allocation of spaces
Clear planning for library visits

The feedback shows that anny not only solves organizational problems but also noticeably improves the learning atmosphere and satisfaction.

Conclusion: Why is anny a win for LMU?

With anny, LMU Munich has found a solution that goes far beyond mere learning space booking. The university library benefits from significantly better management of visitor flows and optimal utilization of its resources. Overcrowded libraries and high complaint volumes are a thing of the past. At the same time, the introduction of anny strengthens LMU's profile as a modern, future-oriented university that invests in digital services to offer its members the best conditions for learning and working.

Overcrowded spaces will soon be a thing of the past for you too. Schedule a free demo with our sales team to see anny in action.

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