Solutions

Library Automation using RFID Technology

Introduction : 

• New technologies have always been of interest for libraries, both for the potential of increasing the quality of service and for improving efficiency of operations. At present libraries of all kinds whether public, research or special libraries are overwhelmingly looking forward to adopt new technologies due to its potential for cost savings in the operations and the management of books and patrons. One such technology which is gaining tremendous popularity among the various libraries is RFID technology since it revolutionizes the way a library operates. 

Pain Areas 

• Time  Consuming  Stock  Verification  Process:  Often  in  a  library where  thousands  and  lakhs  of  books  are  involved,  manual  stock verification becomes a tedious task which may take about 4-5 days to get completed during which the library may have to be shut down for the members leading to inconvenience to them. 
• Weak Security: Especially during peak hours when there is a lot of crowd in the library some students try to move away with the books without  issuing  it.  It  is  a  pain  to  keep  track  of  such  unauthorized movements. 
• Long queues for book issue and return: Manual issue and return of books is a slow process leading to long queues in front of the counter during peak hours. This is a waste of time for the member as well as the library  staff  who  can  fruitfully  utilize  this  time  for  their  internal processes. 
• Tracking a misplaced book: It often happens that a book say for example of fiction is wrongly placed in the non – fiction segment or the children's book segment. The patron generally has a tough time locating such misplaced books. 
• Getting information regarding a particular book: Many a times a member  may  be  looking  for  a  particular  book  but  may  not  have complete information about it. 

Technology 

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a generic term that is used to describe  a system that transmits the identity (in the form of a unique serial number)  of  an  object  or  person  wirelessly  in  a  tag,  using  radio  waves.  Tags  or Transponders are micro chips with an antenna which have a unique Identifier Number and memory which can be programmable according to the customer requirement. Tags are then affixed to the books either in the inside or hard bound in them. 

Book Tagging 

• Every Book has an unique Accession Number which is defined by the existing LMS 
• RFID tag will be pasted on each book and accession number will be encoded on RFID tag 
• Library Members 
• Every member will have a unique member ID  
• A RFID member card encoded with the member ID will be issued to each member 

Book Issue/Return 

• Member will come to the issue/return counter with the member card and Books 
• Counter operator will read the member card and the books using the desktop RFID reader attached to the system

Self Check in/Check out 

• Member will come to the self check in/check out kiosk with the member card and the books 
• RFID readed on the kiosk will read the member id and the books to make the issue/return 

Book Drop 

• A member can simply drop the book in the Book drop box for returning the book 
• RFID reader installed in the book drop box will automatically read the book id and it will be marked as returned 

Anti Theft control 

• A long range RFID reader will be installed at the exit gate  
• This reader will read all the books passing through the gate 
• If any book read is not marked as issued in the system, an audible alarm will be generated. 

Finding a book 

• ID of the book to be find will be inputted to a hand held portable RFID reader 
• User will move near the book racks with the portable reader 
• Reader will read the book ids of the books in racks 
• When the reader reads the initially inputted book id, it will make an audible alarm 

Physical Verification 

• Handheld portable RFID reader will be used for taking the physical inventory of the books 
• User will show the portable reader to all books without removing the books from the racks 
• After collecting all book ids, the reader will be connected to the server to transfer the data to the software and reports will be generated in software. 

ADVANTAGE OF RFID IN LIBRARIES 

• High speed inventory: A 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. 
• Self check in and check out: It helps patrons to get their books issued or returned without the help of the library staff. This reduces patron queuing and improves productivity. 
• High Security: The gate antennas provided at the entry/exit points will prevent any unauthorized movement of books out of the library thus ensuring high security and eliminating loss due to shrinkage and theft. Incase any patron tries to walk away with a book without properly issuing an alarm would be raised at the exit gate. 
• Book Drop Box for book return: Since a drop box allows patrons to return the books and get an automated receipt without the help of a library staff, it helps the library staff to contribute that time to more productive duties. It leads to cutting of queues enhancing customer satisfaction as well. 
• Patron Experience: The biggest advantage that an automated library holds is increased patron satisfaction. Tracking books is no longer a pain for the patron. The patron has a pleasant experience when he walks in a library that is completely automated with smooth work-flows and no queues at the book issue counter. 
• Image  Upliftment:  Smooth  work-flows  and  increased  patron satisfaction helps in uplifting the image of the library and hence the institution among all other leading libraries of the country. 
• Tag life: RFID tags last longer than barcodes because the technology does not require line-of sight. Most RFID vendors claim a minimum of 100,000 transactions before a tag may need to be replaced.