Rfid Solutions In Libraries

RFID Solutions in Libraries RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is to provide cost-effective solutions to many of the key issues facing most libraries: • annual stock-taking • rapid checking that books are shelved in the correct area • searching for specific items using a scanner • self check-out of items • self-return of items • security • library membership cards The key challenge for librarians today is to improve customer service and provide patrons with a pleasant experience when searching and borrowing books. RFID technology significantly reduces management costs and increases the time that librarians spend with patrons by enabling automated book handling at checkins, checkouts, collections inventories, book sorting and theft deterrence.

RFID vs. Bar-Code RFID is an identification technology; it does the same job as bar codes but offers potentially a lot more. It can therefore be fruitful to look back at bar code technology and see what we can learn from its application in library operations. Bar-code is a fundamental technology for library operations and flow management; it provides the coupling between the information system (the ILS, or Integrated Library System) and the physical flow of library material. In applications at the circulation desk bar-code technology has been proven to be robust, reliable, and efficient. In the effort to extend bar code technology to self service stations, which is one major direction for achieving better efficiency in operations, in this case, Bar-code have been less than satisfactory. The introduction of self service check-out stations was characterized by much work on librarian part, very long delays in deliveries of functionality, and a long, long period of unreliable functionality. Trying to introduce self service check-ins was accompanied by even more difficulties. Bar codes cannot be the signal feed for anti-theft systems so the usual combination is to have a combination of bar codes for identification, and some electromagnetic (EM) based anti-theft system. In self service stations the identification system must interact with the anti-theft system so that items have the correct EM state after the circulation transactions, i.e. checked-out

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item must be deactivated, and returned items activated. In my experience these interactions are still unreliable and lacking in functionality. As for the signal source for the anti-theft system, i.e. the magnetic stripe, label, or rod, there is a danger of a technology (or system) trap: once the magnetic device is attached to the library item it should, ideally, not be possible to take it away. This, however, makes it difficult to switch to another EM security system, if the signal source cannot be used in the alternative solution. The previous applications of using the technology of bar codes and EM security are many disappointments in the system solutions, both in the direct application of the technology and, even more. Since increased efficiency in operations is the primary reason for adopting new technology in libraries there are a number of questions that must be addressed when examining the potential for RFID based systems in libraries. It seems that the Bar-code system lack of the reliability and robustness, since the bar-code systems can be fooled by photocopies, or counterfeit.

RFID tags RFID tags and hardware solutions have been specifically designed to ease the identification and management of all types of library media using special software dedicated for this purpose. RFID systems can be centrally monitored and administered to automate circulation, speed inventory management and security and increase the time library staff spends with patrons. RFID tags designed and manufactured as a comprehensive multi-band RFID infrastructure for item-level tracking in a variety of industries. This universal infrastructure includes purpose-built readers and tags, as well as RFID management software, all designed to work together seamlessly in the most demanding environments. RFID products automate labor-intensive processes, authenticate and safeguards goods, and enable real-time inventory and asset visibility. RFID solutions are currently deployed in a range of highly specialized vertical markets that include: Libraries, Textile Services, Pharmaceutical, and Fashion/Apparel.

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The RFID tags have been designed for optimal performance in a variety of environments. Whether the product to be tagged is paper or plastic, there is a different tag product which meets different application requirements. Each RFID tag (label) on every roll should be tested and qualified. End users get the labels they receive fully functional and application ready.

Automated check-out system In many libraries, there is a strong focus on the automation of the loan process to reduce the use of manpower and improve the turnover time for library users. All the public libraries and academic libraries provide easy-to-use automated check-out machines.

Automated check-in system RFID had also facilitated the implementation of automated check-in machines in these libraries, complementing the automated check-out machines that have become compulsory in many libraries all over the world. Instead of depositing returned books at the loan counter or book bins, users are able to instantly discharge their loans when they return their books through the automated return channels. In some huge libraries, the returned books are automatically sorted on a conveyor belt and deposited into 5 to 6 separate bins for subsequent shelving using sorting software system. When books are returned from chutes (Channels), they are first scanned to determine their location. The appropriate shelves that the books are to be reshelved are indicated on large screens. Those that belong to other branches are placed aside to be collected by the country Post Office (contracted to deliver

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all public library books to various branches). These are scanned again at the Singapore Post Office premise to sort out the books into various branches for delivery. RFID also enable libraries to take inventory of their book stock easily and in locating and checking missing or mis-shelved books. New applications to take advantage of RFID technology are being looked at by various libraries.

RFID antenna is a square high-frequency (HF) desktop antenna designed specifically to identify stacked RFID-tagged books in libraries. With its small footprint it is an ideal solution for libraries where space is at a premium.

The antenna is easily mounted on or under counters, and its reading area precisely identifies stacked RFID-tagged items. Typically used with long-range readers, it accurately and efficiently reads multiple stacked items. The RFID antenna is a compact design makes it ideal for use in confined spaces such as library circulation desks and self checkout stations. Designed with integrated ferrite shielding, to help avoid false tag reads from close-proximity RFID-tagged materials, this antenna can also be installed on metal surfaces or objects without any negative interference. Combining the desktop RFID Antenna with RFID mid and long range readers, and flexible RFID tags provides a robust RFID infrastructure solution for libraries.

Towards self-service libraries? With automated check-out and check-in machines, and machines to check loans and clear library fines automatically, the loan transaction in the RFID libraries has been made fully automated at the front end. This has led to the idea of a 4

totally self-help library, which does not require direct supervision by library staff. The Library is unmanned except for a security guard who patrols the premise regularly.

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