NUK: Timeless communication in a world heritage site
Visionect, 22 Nov 2022
When it comes to history, timelessness is best. At least, that’s what the top authorities at the Slovenian National University and Library believe. Librarians are the custodians of over a million historical writings, charged with maintaining the quality and integrity of priceless documents for the benefit of library visitors and patrons.
When choosing a communications system for the library, their criteria were clear: as timeless as their collection, unobtrusive as the building, and flexible as only the best digital signage can be.
About NUK
The Slovenian National and University Library, or NUK, is based in the beautiful city of Ljubljana. The library collects, protects, and enables the use of its national collection of literary materials, providing support to public libraries within the country. NUK also functions as a university library for Ljubljana University.
In 2011, the library housed over 2.900.00 bound volumes of library materials, 4.400 manuscripts and numerous other resources. Many of the catalogs date back to the 18th century — around the time the library was established.
The stunning 20th-century building housing the library was designed by the renowned architect Jože Plečnik and is considered one of his greatest achievements. The library was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 2021, adding to the prestige and historical nature of the building.
A modern problem required a modern solution
NUK takes pride in its status as a historical, UNESCO-appointed center. When it comes to sharing communication with visitors, the library wanted a solution that supported the elegant nature of the building and its content.
Žiga Cerkvenik, Head of Events and Public Relations, felt that LCD and LEDs were inappropriate for the library’s indoor information displays. The backlight of the modern, mass-produced technologies was too harsh for the library’s ageless ambiance.
Instead, NUK wanted an “elegant, minimalist, and unobtrusive” way to share information with library patrons. Luckily, there’s an alternative with a timeless, paperlike look and feel…
Communication with class
“Electronic paper combines the benefits of both worlds — the subtlety and efficiency of paper with the flexibility of electronic media.”
After searching the internet for alternative solutions, NUK discovered the perfect mix of antiquity and modern convenience in Visionect technology. Our electronic paper solutions provide a glare-free experience without distracting backlights or unsightly wiring. Visionect devices are virtually wire-free and can be placed anywhere throughout the building. This versatility is one of the library’s favorite features:
“We can switch not only the content, but also their location, which was a big factor for us.”
Constructed from top-of-the-line materials, such as aluminum and glass, Visionect solutions add a time-honored quality to the space. The devices update smoothly via Wi-Fi, allowing NUK to refresh the content as many times as they need to with no extra costs. With the e-paper displays, Visitors and patrons always have the most up-to-date information regarding the library and its contents. The devices can be moved as needed, making them the most versatile solutions on the market.
“The National and University Library is one of the most important buildings designed by Jože Plečnik and part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. For this reason, it is important that all communication with library visitors is presented in an elegant, minimalist, and unobtrusive way. The Visionect e-paper screens fit very well with the dark setting of Plečnik’s library palace while giving us much more flexibility to change the information quickly and without cost.”
Žiga Cerkvenik, Head of Events and Public Relations
Not only do the devices fit seamlessly into the elegant space with more flexibility than the library could have hoped for, but NUK found the displays remarkably affordable. With multiple Place & Play devices on the floor, the Visionect solutions have been a resounding success in the prestigious, one-of-a-kind library.
To learn how Place & Play displays can fit into your space.
