Veni Vidi Vici - India | RFID - Library Management System

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that facilitates non line of sight identification of items. Basic elements of a comprehensive RFID system for library kind of environment are Tags, Readers & Library management system.

Implementing RFID system in libraries will aid tasks such as circulation, re-shelving & theft detection, and it has several other important advantages.

It can either replace or supplement existing library bar code system. When the costs of labour is taken into consideration for tasks such as checkout, check-in inventory holds,lists, mis-shelved items, etc. RFID can prove to be very efficient when compared to traditional bar codes. In short, RFID streamlines workflow in the area of self services, book return, shelf management and inventory.

RFID tags replace both the EM security strips and Barcode.

Simplify patron self check-out / check-in.

Ability to handle material without exception for video and audio tapes.

Radio Frequency anti-theft detection is innovative and safe.

High-speed inventory and identify items which are out of proper order.

Long-term development guarantee when using Open Standard.

Advantages of RFID Technology for Libraries

Rapid check-out / check-in

The use of RFID reduces the amount of time required to perform circulation operations. The most significant time savings are attributable to the facts that information can be read from RFID tags much faster than from barcodes and that several items in a stack can be read at the same time.

The other time savings realized by circulation staff are modest unless the RFID tags replace both the EM security strips or RF tags of older theft detection systems and the barcodes of the library management system - i.e., the system is a comprehensive RFID system that combines RFID security and the tracking of materials throughout the library; or it is a hybrid system that uses EM for security and RFID for tracking, but handles both simultaneously with a single piece of equipment. There can be as much as a 50 percent increase in throughput. The time savings are less for check-out than for check-in because the time required for check-out usually is extended by social interaction with patrons.

Simplified patron self check-out /check-in

For patrons using self check out, there is a marked improvement because they do not have to carefully place materials within a designated template and they can check out several items at the same time.

Patron self check-in shifts that work from staff to patrons. Staff is relieved further when readers are installed in book-drops.

High reliability

	The readers are highly reliable. RFID library systems claim an almost 100 percent detection rate using RFID tags.
	There is no false alarm than with older technologies once an RFID system is properly tuned.
	RFID systems encode the circulation status on the RFID tag. This is done by designating a bit as the "theft" (EAS) bit and turning it off at time of check-out and on at time of check-in. If the material that has not been properly check-out is taken past the exit sensors, an immediate alarm is triggered.

Stock Management
Operations such as managing materials on the shelves, finding items that are missing and identifying mis shelved items are streamlined and taking stocks regularly will be feasible. Improved Service Spending minimal time on circulation operations allows library staff to assist patrons Routine patron services are not disturbed even when libraries are facing staff shortages & budget cuts.

Flexibility & Modularity
Ability to add newer products and features as finances and customer needs dictate Expenses of adopting the technology can be managed over a time period Allows for phased funding and more effective use of institutional budgets.

Security
Library Item Identification & Security is combined into a single tag, there by, eliminating the need to attach an additional security strip, hence minimizing labeling time & its associated cost Security is automatically de-activated & re-activated as materials are checked out and checked in; hence, no separate security procedures are required.