RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) is the latest
technology to be used in library theft detection systems.
Unlike EM (Electro-Mechanical) and RF (Radio Frequency)
systems, which have been used in libraries for decades,
RFID-based systems move beyond security to become
tracking systems that combine security with more efficient
tracking of materials throughout the library, including
easier and faster charge and discharge, inventorying,
and materials handling.
RFID is a combination of radio -frequency-based technology
and microchip technology. The information contained
on microchips in the tags affixed to library materials
is read using radio frequency technology regardless
of item orientation or alignment (i.e., the technology
does not require line-of-sight or a fixed plane to
read tags as do traditional theft detection systems)
and distance from the item is not a critical factor
except in the case of extra-wide exit gates.
Components of an RFID System
A Comprhensive RFID System has three components
- RFID Tags
- RFID Reader
- Self – Circulation Machine
- Handheld RFID Reader
RFID Tags
Each
paper-thin tag contains an etched antenna and a microchip
with a capacity of at least 64 bits. These tags are
pasted to books. Each and every book needs to be
tagged. The process needs 2-3 people continuously
sticking tags to specific area of the book as decided
earlier from the findings during the pilot test.
Features
- Tags can transmit ID at certain
intervals of time.
- Long battery life of the tag
and tag itself.
- Lower Cost.
- Tags are small in size and
easy to mount on to the object.
RFID Readers (Walk-through Security
gates)
A
typical system includes several different kinds of
readers, also known as sensors when installed at library
exits. These are radio frequency devices designed
to detect and read tags to obtain the information
stored thereon. The reader powers an antenna to generate
an RF field. When a tag passes through the field,
the information stored on the chip in the tag is decoded
by the reader and sent to the server which, in turn,
communicates with the automated library system when
the RFID system is interfaced with it.
Features
- Readers have the ability of
detecting multiple tags in a region at the same
time.
- API’s are available for software
programming
- The readers able to connect
through RS232/485 or WLAN or TCP/IP connection.
- Rugged and weather proof packaging
for indoor and outdoor installations.
Self Circulation Machine or Docking
Station
This
is the heart of some comprehensive RFID systems.
It is the communications gateway among the various
components. It receives the information from one
or more of the readers and exchanges information with
the circulation database. Its software includes the
APIs (Applications Programming Interface) necessary
to interface it with the automated library system.
Features
- Read
range upto 30 cm
- Option
for various interfaces
- Online
firmware upgrade
- Low
power consumption
- ISO
15693 and ISO 14443 A compliant.
- Light
weight
- Aesthetic
design
Handheld
RFID reader
This
reader is used for Searching
the books in library. These are portable and wireless.
The information is stored in the memory and is later
transferred to the Computer. Apart from searching
the books, these readers are also used for taking
inventory of books in library.
Features
- Read
range upto 20 cm
- Online
firmware upgrade
- Inbuilt
battery so no problem of range of reader from PC.
- Read/Write
capability
- ISO
15693 compliance
- Low
power consumption
- Light
weight charger with USB interface
- Customization
for additional features
RFID & Softlink
Softlink
has always been at the forefront of making first use
of latest technologies and it has been same with the
RFID also. Alice and Liberty3 the front runners in
the series of Library and Information Management solutions
are fully compatible with RFID with the help of SIP2
protocol. We have successfully implemented a running
RFID system in the central library of Nirma
University, Ahmedabad with Alice for Windows
LMS.
Why RFID in Library
?
RFID Technology provides number of advantages in a library kind of environment.
Below mentioned tables lists various features, related
benefits provided by RFID deployment.
|
Features
|
Advantages
|
Benefits
|
|
Sightless Identification
|
- More than one item can be
checked in or checked out at the same time.
- Items can be placed on reader
without the careful placement required with
line of sight reading (barcode scanner)
|
- Reliable borrower self-checkout
- Immediate and consistent
borrower self-check in
- Circulation staff freed for
other library tasks
|
|
Theft detection
|
- Increases the difficulty
intentional or accidental removal of items
from the without checkout.
|
- Reliable knowledge of stock
locations (i.e. checked in or checked out)
- Financial – reduces costs
of replacing stock
|
|
Ability to scan and read item numbers on shelves quickly and without handling
each physical item
|
- Faster inventory process
- Ability to locate specific
items
- Mis-shelved reports
|
- Labour savings on inventory
processes, filing holds list, shelf reading
and correction processes, etc.
- Higher customer satisfaction
with correct and reliable shelving order.
|
|
Integrates with automated materials handling systems more effectively than
traditional barcodes
|
- Automated check in chutes
can provide 24-hour check-in
- Automated sorting units including
ability to sort into specific bins
- Automated 24-hour holds pickup
and checkout units
- Books get sorted and back
on the floor quicker for enhanced circulation
capabilities
|
- Lower labour costs on
- Checking process
- Reshelving
- Holds pickup
- Customer satisfaction increases
due to 24-hour access.
|
|
Saves processing time
|
- Tags are guaranteed for the
life of the item
- Once only operation for item
lifecycle
|
- Financial and labour savings
associated with barcode replacement removed.
|
|
Less staff handling of each individual item
|
- Protects staff from many
materials handling-related injuries (e.g.
RSI)
|
- Higher staff job satisfaction
- Financial:
- Cost of qualified staff
exploited with increased in added value
work
- Reduced
cost associated with staff down-time through
RSI type injuries
|
|
Permits borrowers to self-manage standard checkin and checkout processes reliably
|
- Staff can exploit their profession
skills as opposed to clerical skills
- Staff redeployment to customer
facing duties
|
- Staff experience greater
job satisfaction from less repetitive tasks
i.e productivity gains
- Ability to improve and expand
customer services
|
|
Flexibility and modularity
|
- Many levels of sophistication
and implementation allowing the library to
start simply and expand the solution as funding
and/or processing needs progress
- Ability to manage the expenses
over the number of years
- Ability to add newer products
and features as finances and customer needs
dictate
|
- Lower initial capital investmentallows
for easier approval for startup solutions
- Allows for phased funding
and more effective user of institutional budgets.
|
RFID Vs Barcode
Libraries have been using barcodes
for more than a decade now. RFID
Technology is not going to replace
barcodes but it does provide some value
addition to what barcodes provide. Below mentioned is the list of the same.
No line of Sight: RFID without need
of having line of sight reads the data inside the
label. It can read through various materials the labels
which are embedded in different items.
Multi Tag Identification: RFID can read
all the labels simultaneously which are present in
its field and provide the data to the host.
Greater Data Storage: RFID tag has its
own memory where real time data can be stored which
helps in bigger supply chain where storing such large
data is not possible with barcode
Automated reading:RFID reads the tag as soon as the tag
comes within the field and there is not human intervention
required of lifting the reader for reading the labels.
Extended Read
Range:
RFID can read labels at various read range by selecting appropriate frequency,
unlike barcodes where you have to bring the item close
to the scanner
Multiple Read/ Write: RFID labels can carry data along
and can be updated multiple times at various stages
in supply chain to provide accurate and real time
data about the tagged item.
Chart displaying the functioning of RFID
