There are three ways to do this.

Moscow’s Foreign Language Library. Gates, a stern security guard, librarians that don’t understand one another, no single database, RFID tags for security purposes, a ban on bringing backpacks in (!). The wide variety of books is the only thing that saves this library from obliteration.

Pigna Library. The honesty system at its finest. Just a heartwarming librarian and no security features. They make an assumption that everyone entering isn’t there for a random reason (which is close to truth).

The Russian State Library for Youth. A total absence of any visible gates or security features. Anyone strolling by can enter and read a book. As for bringing a book home, all one has to do to register is to show an ID. Every book has an RFID tag used for theft prevention, as well as for scanning books. I was surprised at how efficient the system was when I first took some books home: I stacked the books, put them on a table along with my library card, and I could go out. No librarian or gate needed.

There’s only one way to do it right.

How have driverless trains still not replaced normal ones? I get the situation with cars, as they need approvals and laws, but trains are different.

Moscow metro directors say that the intervals will be longer than with traditional drivers, but this can’t possibly be real. There is much more communication between driverless trains that between normal ones, so the intervals would be the same or smaller. Sure, the technology may need upgrading, but this is a no-brainer for a worthwhile investment.

I’ve been in several driverless trains: Paris’s airport shuttle, Milan’s M5 line, London’s DLR, the Turin metro, Pisa’s airport shuttle. They all work really well and insure more security than regular trains.

Don’t procrastinate, automate!