In learning institutions, a well-organized library contributes significantly to students’ academic success. However, manual organization is prone to errors and can lead to slow services and losses.
To solve this problem, most institutions have adopted RFID use in libraries. They use them in different forms ranging from RFID badges, wristbands, and even lanyards.
In this article, we explain how RFID use in libraries can transform your institution, how to use them, and some of the drawbacks you may experience in their implementation. Read on.
RFID Use in Libraries: How It Works
Just like any other RFID system, a library RFID system must have two critical components that work interdependently. They include:
- Tag
- Reader
The tag is what the student gets, and it comes in different forms, including a card, key fob, lanyard, or even a wristband. This tag contains several elements: a chip, an antenna, and the substrate.
The chip is like the CPU of the tag. It stores a unique code that can be decoded by the library’s central RFID system to execute a command.
However, the code needs to move from the microchip to the central system. And that’s where the antenna and the reader come in.
The reader continuously releases radio waves that instantly power up the microchip once it’s within the electromagnetic wave. Once activated, the chip releases the code via the antennae, and it’s picked up by the reader.
Once the reader picks the coded message, it relays it to the central system for authentication, approval, and execution. Interestingly, this process takes milliseconds, making it quick and efficient.
What RFID Can Do for Your Library
In the context of a library, the RFID tag is attached to a book, a membership card, or other library-related items that need to be tracked. The reader is then attached in a strategic place where it can scan these tags, like the entrance, reception area, or even library desks.
In some instances, the librarian can have a handheld reader to manually scan books for record-keeping. Usually, these tags are attached on the spine or inside every book, making it impossible for a book to leave the library before it is logged out.
Members carry RFID cards, wristbands, or key fobs that work the same way. When a member taps their card at a checkout point, the system links their profile to the book being borrowed and updates the database automatically.
Overall, RFID use in libraries transforms a library from a manually managed space into a self-sufficient, data-driven operation. Here is what it makes possible:
- Self-Checkout. Members use a self-service terminal to scan their membership card and all the books they wish to borrow. This allows for faster checkouts as there is no need to wait for a librarian’s assistance.
- Self-Return. If RFID readers are placed strategically, patrons can return books without staff input. The readers will automatically read their RFID wristbands, link them to their profile, and scan the book’s tag to mark it as “returned”.
- Inventory Management. An employee armed with a portable RFID scanner can perform a total inventory count simply by walking through the stacks. All tags detected by the scanner are automatically compared against the library database, allowing easy identification of all lost, misplaced, or overdue books.
- Book Tracking. The system tracks the location of all books at all times, regardless of whether they are located on the shelf, borrowed by a member, or waiting to be logged back into the system.
- Access Control. RFID cards/wristbands may be programmed to allow entering certain restricted areas of the library only to those members who have the proper clearance.
Benefits of RFID Use in Libraries
Immediately institutions implement RFID use in libraries; the benefits are undeniable, and they start instantly. The system becomes more efficient as it collects more data.
Speed is the most obvious benefit. The self-checkout process that would otherwise take minutes when using a barcode scanner can be completed in seconds with RFID. This enables scanning multiple items within a short time, ensuring that patrons spend less time at the desk.
Also, accuracy increases dramatically. Manual systems are highly prone to human errors that can negatively impact service delivery. These errors can also become costly in the long run, since they will lead to inaccurate records and losses.
Overall, RFID use in library is the ultimate recipe for success in library management. It enhances staff efficiency, prevents losses, and makes it fun to patronize the library.
Challenges You May Face When Implementing RFID
RFID use in libraries poses certain difficulties and knowing them beforehand will help you to consider them during planning. The first problem is the initial cost.
RFID tags and RFID readers along with integration with library software require considerable financial investment. This factor may become a real hindrance for smaller institutions due to their limited budget.
However, it is important to note that over a few years of work the money spent on the system can be saved due to reduced costs related to lost books and time needed to find them.
It is very important to place the tag on a book in the proper way. If a tag is placed too close to the metallic parts such as foil covers or wire binding, it will affect chip’s signal, resulting in low efficiency. It is essential for library personnel to know where to place tags correctly.
Compatibility may be another concern, especially for those libraries that already have software to manage the library. Not all RFID systems are compatible with every software out there, so making sure the system you purchase will work with your current software is important.
Is RFID Right for Your Library?
It all depends on the size of the collection, the budget available to you, and what issues you need to resolve. For a small community library with few books and low transaction volume, a simple bar code solution will do fine. But a large university library with hundreds of thousands of books, several branches, and high transaction numbers will benefit immensely from RFID usage.
Should you have long lines for check-outs, inventory mismatches, lost books, and people wasting time resolving transactional issues, you should consider using RFID in libraries. This technology is reliable, commonly used, and becoming affordable as suppliers enter the market.
First, assess the existing situation and pinpoint specific problems you need to address. Then talk to suppliers about your needs and see if their solutions work with the number of books and transactional loads you have.
Conclusion
RFID use in libraries is not anymore exclusive to those well-endowed institutions. This is an effective and tested approach that will provide faster, more accurate, and efficient processes in every operation within the library.
Despite the difficulties involved in implementation of the RFID technology, the benefits are long-term and outweigh all the drawbacks that one may face. If you are thinking about creating a more efficient library for your members, RFID is certainly worth it.
