RFID based Library Management Software: Secure and Automated

Aug. 7, 2012 - PRLog -- A contactless technology that helps in the quick retrieval of data from a tag attached to an item by means of electromagnetic waves is RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). RFID based library management software not only automates the process of item identification and tracking, but also eliminates the need of requirement of a line of sight, as is required in the cases of barcode based systems. With such a hi-tech set up, the conventional systems of information access are heading to become obsolete in the near future.

Functioning of an RFID Based Library Management System

A smart label or tag is attached to the book whose details are to be retrieved. The tag is programmed with the book details. It needs to be activated by the signals sent by a reader (antenna). On being exposed to radio waves transmitted by the antenna, the tag gets activated.  And on receiving the activation signal, the information stored on the tag gets decoded; this data is then received by the reader and transferred further to the computer server for processing. This wireless RFID based library management software eliminates the need to be in contact of the item for which information is sought.

How RFID has revolutionized the functioning of a library

The use of RFID has revolutionized the execution of different library operations. There is no need of sitting through long hours and fetching the data manually. Let’s see how a library can benefit from it:

1.   Automation saves Time: It allows automatic identification of the books and capturing data from them without making any physical contact with it. This hastens the overall process and saves a great deal of time. The monotony of doing a work again and again is eliminated.

2.   Robust Tags: RFID tags are robust and reliable: they can work efficiently and accurately even in hostile environments like dust, high temperature, and humid climatic conditions. They have also the capability to read through different types of materials.

3.   Quick Check-in/Check-out: RFID based library management software facilitates fast check-in and check-out of the library items. As these processes are automated, time consumed in accomplishing them is also reduced to an appreciable extent. The stock and shelf management procedures are also rendered fast by means of this technology.

4.   Quick Re-Shelving: Re-shelving of items also becomes quicker and efficient; hence the making it a plain sailing for the users to locate books that they are in need of.

5.   Book Drop Stations: The facility of book drop stations allows the patrons to check-in the books they need to return, without taking the help from library staff. The RFID based library automation system avoids the check-out of the returned books manually by the users.

6.   Efficient RFID Reader: An RFID reader is capable of reading up to 16 items simultaneously. It can read from a distance of about 15 cm and the write distance can be up to 19 cm.  The power consumption in such a process is low. The communication between the reader and the item can be either in serial or parallel manner.

7.   Security Gates: RFID based library management software uses a combination of RFID and EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) to protect the library items from pilferage or unauthorized usage. To protect the library collection, 2 or more pedestals are used that allow passing of only those items that are unchecked out.

In nutshell, the library management system based on RFID is an intelligent way of executing different library functionalities. It can automate the entire system and can accelerate the processes involved.
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