Vatican Library opened to journalists

Journalists were treated to a rare, behind-the-scenes view of the Vatican's Apostolic Library after completion of three years of restoration to reinforce the foundations and modernize the fifteenth century building. What's changed and what's new in the Library were among topics presented at a press conference Monday.

Library Prefect Msgr. Cesare Pasini explained some of the novelties:

“the most notable novelty is the computerization of the entrance procedure...thanks to an ID card equipped with an RFID (Radio Frequency ID) microchip that scholars will receive when they apply.”

“Moreover, in the reading rooms, (scholars) will have the possibility to hook up to the Library’s network via Wi-Fi using their own personal computers from their desk.”

“Thanks to (microchip) tags in the books, and to a security and surveillance system installed throughout the library, (we can now) follow the eventual transfer of books from one area to another, and if necessary, to prevent a volume from being taken without authorization.”

The Library’s website at "www.vaticanlibrary.va" , explains the Prefect, also offers a series of services which include “the possibility to directly make requests for photographic reproductions and receive an informative periodical newsletter…”