RFID TECHNOLOGY FOR LIBRARY

8/7/2019 RFID TECHNOLOGY FOR LIBRARY

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FOREWORD

As a student of Master of Library and Information Science, It gives me immense

pleasure to publish this information booklet as a part of my study.

I have prepared information booklet under the title “RFID Technology for

Library” in which I have tried to cover details about RFID system component,

RFID System mechanism, Technical choice, how does it works, Advantages of

RFID systems etc.

This information product will be useful for all type of libraries, library science

professionals, students and teachers of Library and Information Science. I have

no words to express my gratitude to my respected sir, Shri P.C.Shah who

helped and provided me constant guidance to complete this information booklet.

I am very much thankful to Mrs. Geeta G. Gadhavi and other teaching and non-

teaching staff members for their untiring efforts, sympathetic attitude and timely

help during this information booklet.

I also express my sincere thanks to my all friends for support. Special thanks to

my parent whose inspire to me for this professional course.



Content

Introduction

Traditional Security

Origin of RFID

Application of RFID Technology

Benefits of RFID for Library

Advantages of RFID over other ID Technologies

RFID system components

Technical choice

How does RFID Works

RFID Systems Mechanism

RFID at Each Step of Material Handling

Conclusion



Introduction

Emerging technologies that relieve the personnel from time-consuming

library operations, have always been of interest to libraries. When libraries of all

kinds (public, academic, special) are facing budget crunches, considering new

technologies as the potential alternatives for cost saving and hassle free

management of library operations is imperative. RFID (Radio Frequency

Identification) system is such a promising alternative that aid in the efficient flow

of library material.

RFID is an innovative automated library system for automatic

identification and tracking of library material. Currently RFID applications range

from book tracking and stock management, to theft detection and automatic book

sorting. Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is a dynamic link

between people, objects and processes and in the near future it plays a prime

role in data collection, identification as well as analysis necessary for specific

library operations. An automated library with the support of RFID technology

would be a “self service station” that demands least intervention by the librarypersonnel. Efforts are being made to introduce self-service “check-in” and

“checkout” that avoid long delay in the delivery of library material and also for

achieving better efficiency in operations.

RFID is used in libraries primarily to automate the book handling process

including checkout, inventory control, check-in and anti-theft. When combined

with Computer Assisted sorting equipment, RFID facilitates and speeds up even

book sorting. Automating the library material handling process allows librarians to

spend more time with the clientele, thus, increasing the ‘user satisfaction’.



Traditional Security

Normally security required is when we have some valuable materials with us.

Libraries have different kind of materials. Many of them have some unique value.

Thus library resources are to be kept under security. Normally, libraries are

having following different types of security:

1. Manual

Here a person is appointed the main entrance of library. He will examine and

check whatever any material or document is not being carried outside the library

without the permission of authority.

But there are certain limitations of this manual system.

• One is person can not find hidden documents or materials.

• These types of checking requires more time.

• We can’t utilize human power if no. of visitors is less.

• Due to these limitations, Machine based security system

introduced.

2. Video Camera

Video cameras are also used for security system are many places. However they

can be useful of some extend only. Because some limitations that one can hide

materials to get it outside.

To overcome these advantages we have a latest technology system which

identifies hidden documents also. This finally is available with RFID Technology.



Origin of RFID

RFID was introduced in the early 1980s for item tracking and access

control applications. Tracking of materials is done using radio frequency based

technology combined with microchip technology, hence designated as RFID

(Radio Frequency Identification). These contact less and wireless automatic

identification data capturing systems are highly effective in hostile environments

such as, industry and logistics, textile and libraries, where barcode labels cannot

survive and need for inventory control and waste management. Owing to its

ability to track moving objects RFID has been established itself in livestock

identification and automated vehicle identification systems. In recent times, itsuse has risen to track books, audio/video tapes and other multimedia collection in

a library. After realizing the advantages of RFID technology, libraries are

considering it, the more productive tool for flow management sooner than

barcodes and other identification technologies.

Application of RFID Technology

Access control application

Airline baggage identification system

Animal tracking and tracing

Assets tracking

Business firm

Hospital

Jewelry Shop

Stores

Defense

Government Agency

Library



Logistics

Manufacturing Industry

Museum

Sport timing

Benefits of RFID for Libraries

• Check-out stations can be automated with easy, intuitive interfaces,

since several items in a pile can be “grabbed” at a time;

•

Book returns can be automated with check-in and databaseupdates completed simultaneously in the book return chute.

• Fast and convenient on-the-shelf inventory allows accuracy in

collection management;

• Automatic book sorting.

RFID technology uses are limitless, flexible and easier to use than other

forms of data collection. RFID is a multi-purpose technology, however, the full

potential of RFID technology and some of its unique applications and solutions

have yet to come to the information industry. RFID is the new technology that

revolutionizes Library Management by increased productivity in deficit budgets.

It can be harnessed to:

• Reduce material handling time.

• Do more frequent and accurate inventory to better manage

collections.



• Improve ergonomics of the repetitive tasks of librarians.

• Improve customer service.

A big advantage of RFID is that it’s not dependent upon the ‘line-of-sight’,

since it uses radio-frequency signals. Since RFID does not require ‘line-of-sight’

between the transponder and the reader, it surmounts the limitations of other

automatic identification devices, such as bar coding. RFID systems work

effectively in hostile environments where excessive dirt, dust, moisture and/or

poor visibility would normally hinder rapid identification process. One of the most

outstanding benefits of RFID is its ability to read through these environments at

remarkable speeds responding in less than 100 milliseconds in most cases.

Advantages of RFID Systems

Rapid charging/discharging

1. The use of RFID reduces the amount of time required to perform circulation

operations. The most significant time savings are attributable to the facts thatinformation can be read from RFID tags much faster than from barcodes and that

several items in a stack can be read at the same time. While initially unreliable,

the anti-collision algorithm that allows an entire stack to be charged or

discharged now appears to be working well.

2. The other time savings realized by circulation staff are modest unless the

RFID tags replace both the EM security strips or RF tags of older theft detection

systems and the barcodes of the automated library system - i.e., the system is a

comprehensive RFID system that combines RFID security and the tracking of

materials throughout the library; or it is a hybrid system that uses EM for security

and RFID for tracking, but handles both simultaneously with a single piece of



equipment. There can be as much as a 50 percent increase in throughput. The

time savings are less for charging than for discharging because the time required

for charging usually is extended by social interaction with patrons.

Simplified patron self-charging/discharging

1. For patrons using self-charging, there is a marked improvement because they

do not have to carefully place materials within a designated template and they

can charge several items at the same time.

2. Patron self-discharging shifts that work from staff to patrons. Staff is relieved

further when readers are installed in book-drops.

High reliability

1. The readers are highly reliable. RFID library systems claim an almost 100

percent detection rate using RFID tags.

2. There are fewer false alarms than with older technologies once an RFID

system is properly tuned.

3. RFID systems encode the circulation status on the RFID tag. This is done by

designating a bit as the "theft"(EAS) bit and turning it off at time of charge and onat time of discharge. If the material that has not been properly charged is taken

past the exit sensors, an immediate alarm is triggered. Another option is to use

both the "theft"(EAS) bit and the online interface to an automated library system,

the first to signal an immediate alarm and the second to identify what has been

taken.

High-speed inventorying

Unique advantage of RFID systems is their ability to scan books on the shelves

without tipping them out or removing them. A hand-held inventory reader can be

moved rapidly across a shelf of books to read all of the unique identification

information. Using wireless technology, it is possible not only to update the

inventory, but also to identify items which are out of proper order.



Automated materials handling

Another application of RFID technology is automated materials handling. This

includes conveyer and sorting systems that can move library materials and sort

them by category into separate bins or onto separate carts. This significantly

reduces the amount of staff time required to ready materials for re-shelving.

Long tag life

Finally, RFID tags last longer than barcodes because nothing comes into contact

with them. Most RFID vendors claim a minimum of 100,000 transactions before a

tag may need to be replaced.

Increase Security

One of the important aspects of installing RFID systems in library is the security.

RFID system can minimize theft of library items. Only the materials which are

legitimately checked- out will be allowed to be taken outside the library.

RFID System Components

An RFID system comprises of a number of components including a range of

transponders, handheld or stationary readers, data input units, and system

software. The transponders or ID tags are the backbone of the technology and

come in all shapes, sizes and read ranges.

A comprehensive RFID system has the following key components:

RFID Tags: RFID tags that are electronically programmed with unique

information. Flexible, paper-thin smart labels that are applied directly to library

items. Each RFID tag contains a tiny chip, which is both readable and writable



and can store information to identify items in your collection. In library

applications, it also stores a security bit and if needed, information to support

sorting systems.

There are two main types of tags: Passive and Active:

• Passive tags only provide information when scanned by a reader.

• Active tags actively transmit data to a reader.

Within a passive tag there can be different types of microchip e.g. Hitag1, Hitag2,

EM4102, I-Code or Q5 etc. each with varying levels of functionality; increased

memory, read/write or read-only capabilities.

Tags are also are available with different frequencies:

• Low frequency (120-140Khz) • High frequency (13.56 MHz)

• Ultra-high frequency (868-956Mhz)



Low Frequency tags are a mature technology and provide a robust read

especially in water. The main advantage is the low cost. Typical applications:

Animal identification/agricultural, access control, asset management.

High Frequency tags offer typically the same read range as low frequency.

However the main advantage is the construction method used which allowing for

flatter forms i.e. label tags. Typical applications: scientific/medical

smartcard/security.

Ultra-high Frequency tags offer the best possible read range and fast data

transfer speeds. Typical applications: retail, supply chain management,

remote/wireless monitoring.

Read-only microchips hold no data except a unique ID that can be registered on

a database against an asset. Read/write microchips hold and update data about

the specific item it is attached to.

RFID Security gates: Placed in the entrance of libraries, the main functions of

security gates is detection. The gates will have built-in radio antennas which can

easily detect unauthorized movement of item within its range. It detects

whenever an item with a tag which has not been de-activated. Security gates will

also have the same radio frequency as the tags. In most of the RFID

applications. The security gates acts as a stand-alone component.



Antenna: A conduit between RFID tags and the coupler. RFID antennas emit

radio waves that activate RFID tags as they pass through the activation field.

After a tag is activated, it can send information to or receive information from the

coupler. An antenna connected to the coupler.

RFID Inventory Readers: Inventory readers are used for stock verification for

locating specific item fast. During the inventory checking process, the readers

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can be directly connected to the library servers with databases or store the data

in a pocket PC and transfer to the library database upon completion. Lets you

take inventory and locate missing items. The RFID Inventory Control System

consists of two parts: 1) a hand-held RFID reader that you can use to scan items

on your shelves and 2) software developed that lets you generate inventory

reports about the collected data.

Low Frequency Readers High Frequency Readers

(125-134.2 KHz) (13.56 MHz)

Due to the range of tags available and the multitude of applications that RFID

can be applied to, arrays of RFID readers are available on the market. You can

http://www.manningsrfid.com/highfreqreaders.php

http://www.manningsrfid.com/lowfreqreaders.php



choose between static readers for wall mounted/desktop applications or hand-

held readers that can operate in tethered or batch modes.

Each reader has its own benefits; from low cost, low spec to high cost, high spec.

There are also hybrid readers that combine RFID and barcode technologies.

If you cannot see a reader that is suitable for your application, please do not

hesitate to contact us and we will endeavor to source the right hardware for your

needs.

Coupler: The link between RFID tags and the PC. The coupler can send

information in two directions: It can read information from a tag and send it to the

PC (read mode), or it can read information from the PC and send it to an RFID

tag (write mode)

PC: The link between the coupler and your library automation system. It has

developed software that runs on your PC to provide an interface between the

RFID hardware and your library automation system.



Server: A server to receive and decode the information and to communicate with

the automated library system.

Tags also known as transponders are electronic chips consisting of an

integrated circuit and antenna coil that communicate with a reader by means of a

radio frequency signal. They have an EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance)

function to detect thefts. It comes in various shapes and sizes. Tags have three

memory components:

1. Item identification i.e., barcode no.

2. Security bit that is turned off and on as items are checked out and

checked in

3. Variable memory that is of use in sorting the items.

RFID tags are available as labels with adhesive backings and the ability to reel

through a label printer. After sticking RFID label on the book, its information such

as Accession Number is registered in the chip of the label. This function allows

writing such information on chip either from the Library database or by scanning

existing barcode labels, if any. The tags can be purchased blank when

retrospective conversion of barcode collection is to be taken up or pre-programmed, if automation is at initial stage i.e., libraries, which have collection

without barcodes. Reader or interrogator is an electronic device that activates a

transponder and retrieves data stored in its IC chip. It is used for communication

between RFID tags and a host computer system. A reader generally consists of

an RF transmitter and receiver and an antenna for communicating with tags.

Communication between the reader and a transponder (tag) via radio waves is a

two-step process: in the first step a reader through radio waves activates the

transponder and in the second step the transponder responds by returning the

data on the IC. Reader may be portable and stationary type and with the aid of a

processor it decodes the information. Server is the focal point of a

comprehensive RFID system, which acts as a communication gateway among



various components. It receives the data transmitted from the antenna and

exchanges the information with the circulation database.

Technical ChoiceThe choice between low frequency and high frequency depends upon the

application. A low-frequency device typically provides slower data transfer and

must work at closer distances to an object. Relative speed of the tag moving on a

production line past an interrogation unit is approximately 20 miles an hour.

On the other hand, high-frequency devices can work at distances up to 250 feet

and at relative speeds greater than 150 miles per hour. Barring the high fixed

costs, high frequency system is suitable for a ‘smart library’. It works when areader sends a signal to the transponder or ID tag via an antenna. The

transponder’s electronics return the ID code via a modulated signal being

continuously reflected off the transponder’s antenna, giving an impressively quick

read. On the other hand, low frequency systems are more suitable for tracking,

monitoring or controlling the workflow of objects used for manufacturing,

production, and processes.

How does it Work

An RFID system consists of a reader, comprising a transmitter and receiver,

together with an antenna and an integrated circuit transponder tag or “smart

labels”– microchips attached to the antenna. The transmitter sends out a radio

signal on a specific frequency using the antenna. The tag if within the

transmitter’s reading range recognizes this signal. The tag then responds with a

signal that is recognized by the receiver. The significance of recent RFID

technology is that most tags are battery-less and receive the energy to power the

tag from the transmitter signal. This not only makes the tags low-cost devices but



also saves the environment since most of the applications require low-cost and

single use throwaway tags. Smart label or tag (microchip) can be embedded

virtually into any object including books and other stock of library individually

identifies the book using a unique, unalterable code. The chip communicates with

the circulation database of a library so that each item’s location, whether on the

shelves, checked out or being processed, can be determined. With a hand-held

reader the clientele and staff members can scan the shelves to find out the

misplaced objects by radio pulse. Tagging job can be undertaken either by the

library or a book jobber or the publisher at the time of publication. However, most

libraries prefer to maintain their own tagging and verification station. When

RFID tags are passed in front of a reading station, a radio field charges the chip

and lets it transmit its data. Thus, the information contained in the microchips

affixed to the library materials is “captured” and retrieved using radio frequency

technology regardless of its location.

RFID Systems Mechanism

RFID Transponder

An RFID tag is the most important link in any RFID system. It has the ability to

store information relating to the specific item to which they are attached, rewrite

again without any requirement for contact or line of sight. Data within a tag may



provide identification for an item, proof of ownership, original storage location,

loan status and history.

RFID Tag consists of an integrated circuit and an antenna combined to form a

transponder. RFID tags collect the energy to operate from a Radio Frequency

(RF) field emitted by a reader device; therefore they do not need a battery. When

energized by a radio signal from a fixed position reader or handheld scanner, the

tag returns the stored information in order that the item to which it is attached can

be easily located

The chip also has a "multi-read" function, which means that several tags can be

read at once.

RFID tags have been specifically designed to be affixed into library media,

including books, CDs, DVDs and tapes.

It is thin, flexible and thus can be laminated between paper and plastic. With

special method to attach to books; patron is totally unaware that the tag is there.

KEY BENIFIT

• Allows check-out and check-in several items simultaneously

• Information directly attached to product

•Performing both identification and antitheft in one single operation

• Different shape and sizes available

• Able to tag almost anything

• Accelerate scanning and identifying

Counter Station

The Counter Station is a staff assisted station on services such as loan, return,tagging, sorting and etc. It is loaded with arming/disarming module, tagging

module and sorting module. Arming/Disarming module allows EAS (Electronic

module and sorting module. Arming/Disarming module allows EAS (Electronic to

trigger/not trigger the alarm of the EAS gate. Checking of EAS status of library

material is easy. The staff puts the item on the reader and click on the view to



display the information stored inside the tag and status of EAS. There are also

feature of Auto Arming and Auto Disarm. Auto Arm/Disarm will automatic

arm/disarm library material that is within the Reader range.

Together with circulation module from Library Automation Software, this station is

used for the following services:

• Editing and updating of patron’s record

• Add and deleting of patron’s record

• Generate loan history for a particular patrons

• Managing of fines incurred by the patron

• Arm/Disarm of EAS bit inside the library material

• Program of new library material

• Sort item in accordance to their branch and category number

• The features of this station depend on the module loaded by the

Library Automation Software.

COUNTER STATION



KEY BENEFITS:

• Provide Value Added Customer Service instead of manual daily

routine

• Perform media check-in/-out for those patrons who choose not to

use the self service system

• Help patron that need assistance from the staff

Self Check out / in Station

The Patron Self Check-out station is basically a computer with a touch screen

and a built-in RFID reader, plus special software for personal identification, book

and other media handling and circulation. After identifying the patron with a

library ID card, a barcode card, or his personal ID number (PIN), the patron is

asked to choose the next action (check-out of one or several books). After

choosing check-out , the patron puts the book(s) in front of the screen on the

RFID reader and the display will show the book title and its ID number (other

optional information can be shown if desired) which have been checked out.

The patron then confirms that he has finished the check-out process and areceipt is printed, showing which books have been borrowed and the return date.

The RFID tag in the book is set on quiet as a result no alarm will go off at the

EAS gates.



It is also possible to use the station for Check-In (return) of books. In this case

the patron identifies herself, chooses return and then puts one book or a stack of

books onto the reader. She will receive a receipt. If the books were to be taken

through the gate now, an alarm would sound.

One important point for library productivity is that the whole process is

significantly less time consuming than with barcode and magnetic strip system;

therefore long lines are avoided and fewer stations are needed for the same

process.

KEY BENEFITS:

1. to Librarian:

• Speeds up book check-in / check-out

• Frees staff to better service patrons

• Better space planning

• Increases membership rate

2. to Patrons:

• Easy to use: books can be read in any orientation

• Reduces queuing time

• Provides patron privacy

• Encourages patrons to come back

Book-Drop (Return Station)

The Book Drops can be located anywhere, within or outside the library. Possible

remote locations outside the library include MRT/train stations, shopping centers,

schools; etc. This offers unprecedented flexibility and convenience of returning

library items at anytime of the day, even when the library is closed.



Patron inserts the library item into the slot. The reader captures the electronic

signature and sends to backend system for loan cancellation. Patron is

acknowledged by beeping sound and flashlight. Patron’s record is updated

immediately. This is possible due to the seamless link between RFID

Management System and the host computer system. As such, users who have

reached their loan quota can start borrowing items once they have returned them

through the Book Drop.

KEY BENEFITS:

• The ability to return books during off hours.

• Loans for the returned items will be instantaneously cancelled so

that patron may immediately borrow again.

•

Librarians are able to allocate more time to customer service, asthey are free from the labor-intensive loan cancellation activity

associated with bar-code system.

• Display the return status and printing receipt.

• The design of the Book Drops is such that items cannot be

retrieved back once deposited.



Shelf Management System

The Shelf Management Solution makes locating and identifying items on the

shelves an easy task for librarians. It comprises basically of a portable scanner

and a base station.

The solution is designed to cover three main requirements:

•Search for individual books requested

• Inventory check of the whole library stock

• Search for books which are miss-helved

In situations when search function is required, whether for a particular item or an

item category, the information is first entered into the portable scanner from the

base station, and when a foreign item is found on the shelves, a built-in beeper

sound to alert the librarians.

KEY BENEFITS:

1. Changes inventory process:

• No more book handling: just pass the reader across shelved books

to perform an instant inventory.



• Accuracy: book identification numbers are registered in the Shelf-

Management Reader. The data is then downloaded to the central

database.

• The fastest inventory you have ever made: 20 books per second.

• Notification: books to be pulled are up-loaded to the reader for

quick identification.

2. User friendly:

• Light weight

• Wand allows easy reading of high and low shelves

3. Saves time and resources:

• Implementers indicate a 75% reduction in human resources

required for shelf management activities.

Anti-theft Detection



The RFID EAS Gate is the anti-theft part of the RFID Library Management

System using the same RFID tags embedded in the library items. Each lane is

able to track items of 1 meter or more and would trigger the alarm system when

an un-borrowed item passed through them. The alarm will sound and lights on

the gate will flash as patron passes through with the library material.

The EAS Anti-Theft Gate is used to detect RFID tag that is equipped with EAS

(Electronic Article Surveillance). It can detect the RFID tags within 1 meter range

without interference of magnetic items, upon detecting of Armed RFID tags, the

alarm will sound on the gate. It has option to trigger a Camera to record patrons

who trigger the alarm to the Surveillance Station.

Theft detection is an integral feature of the chip within the tag. It is a stand-alone

technology, which operates independently of the library database.

FEATURES:

• Detect EAS Armed RFID tags

• Multi-item detection

• Able to integrate camera with the gate (Option)

• Gale to integrate with Surveillance Station (Option)

KEY BENEFITS:

• Single technology is required for both inventory and theft

management of the library.

• Library staff is alerted immediately when un-borrowed items passes

through the theft detection gates.

• Would-be thieves are deterred by the physical presence of the

gates.

• Number of patrons passing through the gantry is captured by a

counter on the gates Alarm volume can be easily controlled.



RFID at Each Step of Material Handling

The RFID tag entrenched into each item (books or other media) of the library

brings efficiency at all stages of the library management process. The RFID tags

communicate to RFID stations (a combination of the reader and the antenna is

an RFID station), which are connected to Integrated Library Software (ILS) and

allow instantaneous update of the database.

1 Item identification and theft prevention

RFID smart labels or tags are reliable and easy to use. Tags are flexible paper-

thin with an electronic chip, which are wireless readable and writeable. They can

be read using radio frequency technology that operates without contact and line

of sight. They are designed for lasting to lifetime of the item they identify and also

perform the EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) function to detect the thefts.

Library users leaving the building pass through a four-lane EAS (Electronic

Article Surveillance) exit gate, which uses RFID to check articles being carried

through. Items not authorized for taking away trigger the security system’s

alarms.

2 Conversion Station and Cataloguing

Conversion from barcode to RFID is a combination of programming and the

application of the RFID tag.



Programming

Programming is a single operation that involves scanning of the book ID,

encoding of the RFID tag and the activation of the antitheft. The programming of

the RFID tag can be done while reading the barcode. A unique number can also

be pre-programmed in the RFID tag to link it with the book references.

Application of the RFID tag

Application of RFID tag reduces time and inconvenience of this repetitive task,

since only one label can be applied for both the item ID and antitheft function.

And for new items or libraries adopting automation for the first time, the process

is even easier, since one just has to stick and program one single label.

3 Circulation Desks

Circulation desk where librarians do manual checkout and check in of the items,

with prolonged queue times is in desperate need of RFID technology, which

lessens the cumbersome processes and makes the processes fast andconvenient for both patron and the staff. To borrow items users simply identify

themselves at self-service stations and place the items they want to take out on a

pad with an antenna. The borrowing station updates the database, assigning the

book to the patron and resets the chip to show that the item can be taken from

the building. All this is done in one automatic process. Moreover, RFID allows for

multiple checks out of books. And if the library utilizes RFID even for patron

cards, then the user identification can also be read with the same reader at the

same time, which benefits the library check in process.

Self Check Out

RFID check out system is user friendly, highly intuitive and reduces the queuing

times. At this station, the books to be checked out are placed on the deck and



both patron card and stack of books can be read simultaneously i.e., recording

the patron’s ID, the borrowed items and deactivating the antitheft. All this

updating of the library database happens automatically even for multiple items

checked out by the same borrower. A receipt confirming the details of borrowed

material and due date is printed out.

Check in

Books can be placed on deck station one by one without any intervention by

staff. The returned item is instantaneously updated in the ILS and the antitheft is

activated. This automated book return gives enhanced benefits to patrons as well

as librarians. For patrons it offers great flexibility in returning their material when

they want and gives better availability of books as updating the library database

is done in real time. Optionally, a receipt is also printed out to confirm the

returning of borrowed material. And for librarians, it saves time by avoiding

certain repetitive tasks, since multiple items can be read/write at the same time

and at quick pace. It offers reliable book sorting system due to the fact that RFID

tags can be read quickly and independent of tag orientation or position.

4. Inventory Management

With RFID, inventory management becomes possible, fast and accurate, as it is

at least 20 times faster than with barcodes. By carrying a handheld inventory

reader along the bookshelves to collect the data and do the inventory. Smart

labels inlayed in books can be read in seconds. Up to 64,000 books ID numbers

can be stored in the reader memory. It is tremendously time consuming why

because instead of handling each book, just walking down a section of a

gangway the computer wand reads it, since it’s multidirectional. The hand held

reader has an audible signal to indicate the misplaced books. This is useful for

taking inventory, finding missing items and identifying misfiled items, a common

and labor-intensive problem to correct in a library. The collected data is then

automatically downloaded to the library database.



Sorting

When book is put on the deck, Integrated Library Software (ILS) harnessing

RFID flashes the accession number and shelf number, which facilitate shelving of

items. And it provides additional information such as item belonging to other

location or if it is a reserved item, etc.

Book Drop

When books are returned through the ‘Book Drop’ facility of a library, the smart

labels are automatically read and both patron record and library database get

updated. The theft detection system into the smart labels is simultaneously

activated. This Book Drop allows patrons to return items 24 hours a day, 7 days

a week. A conveyor sorting system for books that are returned through the Book

Drop can be installed.



Conclusion

A library and information system cannot be said fully automated, unless the ‘Auto

ID technology is not incorporated into the ‘Integrated Library System’. One such

Auto ID technology is RFID, which proven to bring convenience and efficiency in

the item management through the automation of library functions.

Henceforth, many libraries are choosing RFID technology, which significantly

improves the customer service and enhances the patron satisfaction. RFID refers

to the process of grabbing and retrieving data from integrated circuits using ‘radio

frequency’ transmission. RFID seen as the next generation of the barcode offerslibraries marvelous opportunities by contributing to saving time and manpower

and creating cost efficient and total quality services. Embedding books and other

library items with radio frequency identification chips, widely known as RFID tags,

would improve efficiency by helping staff track materials better, deter theft and

allow patrons to check out books faster.

An Integrated Library System harnessing RFID technology, convert a traditional

library into a ‘Booksmart Library’ by reducing queue times at circulation desk,

quick inventory control without handling books, trouble-free identification of

misplaced books, automatic book sorting and theft prevention and more time for

library staff to assist the patrons. However, careful analysis of potential

implications relating to “individual privacy” is global imperative, since privacy

advocates worry about what happens when the RFIDs leave the library.



Prepared By:

Kamalesh J. Patel

MLISC 2006-2007

Department of Library and Information Science

Gujarat University,

Ahmedabad-380 009.

E-mail: [email protected]

Documents

RFID TECHNOLOGY FOR LIBRARY