University of Sussex upgrades library access control with Fastlane Glassgate 150 Plus

As student attendance returned to pre-pandemic levels, the University of Sussex set out to upgrade access control at its busy on-campus library, improving security, supporting changing staffing requirements and gaining better insight into how the space is being used.

Working with long-term access control partner AdvaNova, the University selected Integrated Design Limited’s (IDL) Fastlane Glassgate 150 Plus (GG150 Plus), integrated with its existing security and management systems. The new solution provides faster, more reliable access while giving the University improved visibility of usage data to support security, space planning and operational decisions.

The university library’s access control requirements

Serving more than 17,000 students, the University of Sussex library houses more than 800,000 volumes and includes a range of spaces with different access requirements, including its main entrance and Research Hive.

By March 2025, the University’s existing access control hardware was approaching the end of its effective lifecycle. With visitor numbers increasing and the library approaching capacity, an upgrade was required.

Key challenges included:

• Growing visitor numbers and capacity – the library records approximately 2,100 combined entries and exits each day. The new system needed to process users efficiently during peak periods while providing more accurate people counting to support capacity management and fire safety.
• Security during unstaffed hours – library staff are available between 8am and 7pm, with porters providing out-of-hours access. The University required stronger control and visibility when the library was not directly staffed.
• Data and space optimisation – the University wanted to better understand how different student groups and departments use the library and its research spaces, helping inform operational and engagement decisions.
• System integration – having used AdvaNova’s Sentry software for many years, the University wanted to retain its existing platform and integrate the new entrance hardware with Sentry and its library management system (LMS).

 

Emma Phipps, Digital Development Librarian at the University of Sussex, explains:

“As visitor numbers grew post-pandemic, we realised we would need an updated solution to meet fire regulations. It would also improve security during unstaffed hours.”

An integrated library entrance control solution

Following a competitive tender process, AdvaNova was selected to deliver the upgraded access control solution, building on its established relationship with the University.

AdvaNova proposed IDL’s GG150 Plus, with one set of four lanes installed at the library’s main entrance. Operated through barcode and mobile credential scanning, the system can process up to one user per second, making it well suited to the library’s high daily footfall.

The GG150 Plus supports accessible wide-gate entry, while AdvaNova also installed a second accessible door entrance. The replacement IDL lanes increased access from 600mm to 914mm wheelchair-compliant widths, improving accessibility and making evacuation safer and easier for wheelchair users.

The Fastlane system is designed to integrate seamlessly, allowing AdvaNova to connect it with its Sentry software, which the University was already using, and the University’s LMS. The new solution retains existing access permissions and reporting processes while enabling the University to monitor usage by user group and strengthen controls against unauthorised entry.

Installation was phased during August 2025, with existing barriers removed sequentially to maintain access throughout the works. The full installation was completed within one week.

Emma comments:

“The library can be quite busy in these periods, but AdvaNova were very communicative and completed the installation within a week.”

Product focus: Fastlane Glassgate 150 Plus

The Fastlane GG150 Plus combines high-throughput entrance control with a compact, architectural design suitable for busy public and commercial environments, offering:

• Sleek stainless-steel and glass design
• High-throughput capabilities
• Accurate tailgate detection
• Multiple barrier heights and customisation options
• A compact footprint ideal for space-sensitive environments

 

Learn more about the Glassgate 150 Plus

The library access control project outcomes

The upgraded entrance control system is delivering immediate benefits for library users and the University team, combining faster access and stronger security with improved insight into how different spaces are being used.

• Faster, more reliable access – throughput of up to 60 entries per minute per lane helps reduce queues and improve the user experience during peak periods.
• Improved security – access permissions can be managed by user group, strengthening control over areas such as the Research Hive and supporting security during unstaffed periods.
• Better data and insight – Sentry reporting gives the University clearer visibility of usage by student group and department, supporting more informed space and operational planning.
• Minimal disruption – phased installation maintained access to the library throughout the works, with the full upgrade completed within one week.

 

Emma Phipps, Digital Development Librarian at the University of Sussex comments, “We deal with AdvaNova regularly, and they’re always efficient and responsive. If ever we’ve had to troubleshoot, they respond quickly or visit us on-site. They’re always happy to provide information and discuss our needs. We’re now able to segment students, for example, those with and without Research Hive access. The Sentry system also enables us to apply restrictions where necessary, which has strengthened security and highlighted engagement opportunities.”

Nigel Pitt, Customer Account Manager, AdvaNova shares, “Having worked with the University of Sussex for many years, we understand what they needed from the upgrade. The IDL Fastlane Glassgate 150 Plus gave us the throughput and reliability required for a busy library environment, while Fastlane’s integration flexibility meant the University could continue to use its existing AdvaNova Sentry software and LMS, retain familiar processes, and immediately benefit from improved reporting.”

Phil Allen, Sales Manager UK (Outside M25), IDL, adds, “This project is a great example of how our integration partners can use Fastlane to deliver entrance control around the specific operational needs of the client. It’s great to see AdvaNova continuing to deliver successful Fastlane projects for long-standing customers.”

Each project is individual. To discuss how the Fastlane range could help secure your university, library or education facility, please get in touch via our contact page.