Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): RFID Application In Libraries

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Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is the technology that was to replace barcodes in library applications. It is a form of identification that is contact-less and does not require line of sight. The technology, though new to libraries, has been in use in other sectors for more than 20 years. The RFID tags are placed in books and generally covered with a property sticker. Antennas of different sizes, based on application, are used to read the tags and manage the various library functions.

RFID is the new technology that revolutionizes library management and practices.  The fact that books circulate drops the cost per book per use to a reasonable level through using RFID technology . Once a person is identified as a library patron, check-out is easy. The patron walks past the check-out reader station, and without stopping the books are recorded as checked out. Similarly, a patron can check in any time just by dumping the books down the return chute, where a reader automatically records their return. A special wand that reads every chip on every book on the shelf allows librarians to know instantly which books are in or out or improperly shelved.

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1.1 Advantages in libraries

Some of the main advantages of RFID in Libraries are as follows:
1. It is a new technology with tremendous potential for multiple applications in the future.
2. It is a flexible technology, which combines security and item identification in a single tag and reduces library losses by providing effective library detection systems.
3. It is designed to work efficiently with a materials sorting system, which will automate the check-in and check-out processes.
4. RFID eliminate the applied labor of manual material checkout and return processes. The self-check machines are extremely user friendly. Multiple items can be checked out at the same time by simply passing the materials over the scanner. There is no need to align or position materials for checkout and all materials (books and a/v) are checked out the same way.
5. Best of all, combining RFID technology at the circulation desk, self-check machines and eventually the Techlogic materials sorting system will free circulation staff to perform direct patron information services (both in person and by telephone) rather than performing repetitive circulation transactions.
6. Improves patron service & staff productivity.
7. Provide efficiency to collection management.
8. Provide wireless inventory management.
9. Eliminate many sources of repetitive stress injuries.
10. It gives better availability of books as the library database is updated in real time.
11. Inventory is 20 time faster than with barcodes.
12. Free librarians to focus on doing what they do best—assisting patrons.
13.RFID has several advantages over barcode, including:
i. Barcode requires strict, line of sight access, RFID tags can be read through a variety of substances, irrespective of orientation.
ii. Several RFID tags can be read at one time, further accelerating all scanning activities.
iii. Barcodes contain a fixed amount of data which RFID tags incorporate, while providing extra rewriteable space for additional data.
iv. RFID tags are more robust and tamper resistant than barcodes.

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1.2 RFID implementation in libraries
The following points should be considered before implementation of a RFID system in a library.
• A privacy policy should be developed, that will encompass implementation of RFID.
• Library users have a right to know that items contain RFID tags and generally where readers are located, technical specifications of those devices. The library must make public its policies and practices involving the use and maintenance of RFID systems, encompassing tags, readers, and the associated database(s).
• Library users must be given notice of the purposes for which tags and readers are used.
• There must be auditable security and integrity in transmission, databases, and system access, including the use of encryption.
• The library must inform its users who they can contact for questions and complaints.
• If a library selects an RFID-based system, it is likely to retain that system for a long time, primarily because of its high cost as well as the time-consuming structural changes that the library must engage in to successfully use the new system.
• A performance criterion should be formulated.