Libraries and Archives
Basic processes in the library:
Without a RFID-tag
With a RFID-tag
At this stage each product which should be counted to be inventoried gets a unique code in the current database.
Electronic library ticket may be formed as a smart card with RFID-tag or traditional ticket with glued label. The information recorded on the label helps to identify the person, to keep track of his purchases, and to confirm the purchase (rent of book). It is important to note that in addition to the intended appointment of a library card - the registration of books, on the basis of the electronic library tickets can be implemented programs for attracting readers, events, promotions.
This logistic process involves several stages. The most time-consuming stage - verification of the name indicated in the invoice, with the positions that arrived in fact.
The use of RFID-tags and handheld readers at the reception of new acquisitions allows optimizing the process of items verification. A desktop reader is used for the registration of new revenues to replenish the library fund.
In this process, the difficulty arises when the storage location of a book in an electronic database of employees and its real location do not match.
When you use RFID-technologies it becomes possible to control location of books in the library halls, to implement their quick search and automatic registration when moving from the storage to the reading hall, to the issue desk and so on. At the same time library employee can personally bring any ordered book to the reader or to say him the necessary hall, shelving or shelve.
Inventory process is very laborious and time-consuming, especially because books are quite small items, which present in the library in large numbers.
Inventory based on RFID technology is 25 times faster. There is no need to remove every book from the shelf to read or verify the barcode. Manual data collection terminal reads tags with an average speed of more than 50 pieces per second, while the detection radius, depending on its type, may be up to 2 meters.
This is yet another process that involves the library staff, and, depending on the amount of books, it may take some time.
Library automation systems based on RFID-technology allow readers to receive and return books without any library staff. Systems based on RFID technology significantly reduce the load on the staff in libraries with big passableness and, more importantly, reduce the turns, increasing the loyalty of customers. Modular devices allow to create the following types of automation equipment:
- 1. stand for readers’ registration and delivering books;
- 2. stand for returning books to the library;
- 3. sorting systems;
- 4. smart shelves, allowing to monitor on-line.
This refers to the protection against unauthorized removal of books from the library building.
RFID tags in addition to the source of the information, act as a protective element against unauthorized removal of books from the library halls. At the exit are installed antitheft RFID gate with special module, which reproduce alarm when attempting the removal of books.
