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 re-
shelved 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

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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.