RFID Technology and its application in libraries

RFID Technology and its application in libraries

Introduction 

• RFID means Radio frequency identification i.e. the technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify individual items. The objective of any RFID system is to carry data in suitable transponders, generally known as tags and to retrieve data, by machine-readable means, at a suitable time and place and to satisfy particular application needs.
• RFID is one of the most technologies being adopted by both industry and academic world. Modern academic library is a place where millions of books advanced; periodicals, CDs, DVDs and other electronic reading materials are contained. It is a challenge to manage for librarians, managing such type of huge collection.
• RFID technology is in use since the 1970s. RFID tags can be active, semipassive and passive. It is a small device that can store information. Passive tags don't have internal batteries. RFID reader is a device that can receive and transmit a radio signal.
• It is built to encode data stored in the tag's microprocessor. Because of the higher cost, active and semi-passive RFID tags are used for valuable asset tracking. The passive RFID tags are used in RFID library management systems.

COMPONENTS OF AN RFID SYSTEM RFID SYSTEM:-

1. RFID tags / transponder that are electronically programmed with unique information 

2. Readers or Sensors to query the tags. 

3. Antenna. 

4. Server on which the software that interfaces with the integrated library software is loaded. 

5. RFID Label Printer 

6. Handheld Reader 

7. Self Check Unit 

8. External Book Return 

9. Staff and Conversion Station  

1. Tags: 

RFID tag is the heart of the system is the RFID tag, which can be fixed inside a book’s back cover or directly onto CDs and vidios. This tag is equipped with a programmable chip and an antenna. Each paper thin tag contains an engraved antenna and a microchip with a capacity of at least 64 bits. These are three types of tags ‘read only’, ‘WORM’, and ‘read/write’. Tags are read only if the identification is encoded at the time of manufacture and not rewritable ‘WORM’ (write once read many) tags are programmed by the using organization, but without the ability to rewrite them later ‘Read/Write tags’ which are chosen by most libraries, can have information changed or added. In libraries using RFID is common to have part of the read/write tag secured against rewriting e.g. the identification number of the item. 

2. Readers: 

A receiver device called as reader detects the signal as soon it enters into its radio range and decodes the number for interpretation; Reader interrogates the tags and offers optimum reading performance enabling instant data capture when passed alongside the items in a continuance movement. The devices used within the building are usually called ‘readers’ while the ones used at building exits are usually called ‘sensors’.

3. Antenna: 

An antenna is connected to the reader to help to process identification of the items and activate/deactivate the tag antitheft function simultaneously. Additional antenna can be added to increase the number of item processed in case of larger transactions. 

4. Server: 

The server is the heart of some comprehensive RFID systems. It is the communication gateway among the various components. It receives the information from one or more of the readers and exchange information with the circulation database.

5. RFID Label Printer: 

Used to print the labels

6. Handheld reader: 

It can be moved along the items on the shelves without touching them. It used in stock verification, used in search for book-misshelved, search for individual book on request. 7. Shelf Check Unit: Users identification is done with an RFID-ID card. Users can put item onto the reader surface in front of the self check unit to be registered under particular user’s name. Multiple items can be checked out at the same time.

7. External Book Return/book Drop Station: 

Libraries can offer a distinct service, such as ability to return the books when library is closed. It is machine with a slot with a chip RFID Reader integrated into a wall. User identifies him or her then puts the Books into the Slot. Upon Completion of return, user gets a Receipt showing how many and which books are returned. 

8. Staff and Conversion Station: 

Staff station consists of an antenna, electronic Module, and power supply. There are additional software windows Integrated into library management Systems.

APPLICATION IN RFID LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 

1. Book Drops: 

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.

2. RFID Transponder or Tagging: 

It 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 tags have been specifically designed to be affixed into library media, including books, CDs, DVDs and tapes.

3. Counter Station 

It 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 Article Surveillance) bit inside the tag of the library material to be set/reset so as to trigger/not trigger the alarm of the EAS gate.

4. The Patron self check-out station: 

It 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. 

5. Shelf Management: 

This 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.

6. Anti-theft Detection: 

RFID EAS Gates is the anti-theft part of the Library RFID Management System using the same RFID tags embedded in the library items. Each lane is able to track items of about 1 meter 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 un-borrowed library material.

ADVANTAGES OF RFID IN LIBRARIES:

The use of RFID reduces the amount of time required to perform Circulation operations. The most significant time saving with bootable to the fact that information can be read from RFID tags much faster than from barcodes and that served items in the stack can be read at the same time. 

• Self-charging discharging  
• Reliability 
• Streamlined Inventory Management
• Faster Circulation
• Reduction in workplace injuries Automated materials handling 
• Easy stock verification
• Theft reduction
• High level of security 
• External Book Return

DISADVANTAGES OF RFID IN LIBRARIES:

 

 High Cost 

 Frequency Block 

 Chances of removal of exposed tags exit gate sensor problems 

 User Privacy concern 

 Reader collision 

 Tag collision