Imagine entering a library and picking up a book of your choice and checking-out, without having to contact any staff from the library. We’re talking about RFID and NFC-based automation in libraries. The modern library management solutions based on RFID, Barcoding, BLE, and NFC technologies offer complete automation, right from access to the library to picking up a book and checking out. With RFID, virtually all the library tasks such as access control, memberships, book borrowing and returning, etc., can be automated completely.
UHF RFID, which offers a long read range, and NFC/HF RFID, which provides a shorter read range of a few centimetres, requiring you to tap your NFC card on a reader, these technologies now find great applications in library management and offer several benefits. Many top libraries around the world integrate RFID-based library management including the Seattle Public Library, USA, Library of Congress, Washington, USA, IIT Delhi Central Library, University of Pune Library, IIT Kanpur Central Library, Central Library at Allahabad University, etc.
RFID Applications in Libraries
In a library, RFID technology is used in various applications including:
1.Library Membership
2. Library Access Control and Security
3. Library Inventory Management
4. Library operations, borrowing and deposit of books and journals
Our RFID-based library management system is a comprehensive solution that integrates all these applications with a single software solution, offering a customized dashboard, various reports, and insights.
Our RFID-based software for the library seamlessly integrates RFID hardware and applications (printer application for label printing, Android application for handheld reader, desktop application for gate system, etc.) and streamlines various operations of the library.
Benefits of RFID in a Library
Implementing RFID technology in a library offers several benefits to library patrons as well as library managers. Some of these benefits include:
1.Better access control with UHF RFID, HF or NFC-based membership cards where patrons can enter the library where RFID fixed reader scans the card at the gate (or, by tapping the NFC card on an NFC reader device at the entry).
2. streamlined inventory management.
3. Faster circulation where patrons can easily issue books and journals and deposit them without any issue.
4. Easy stock verification where librarians can quickly scan the RFID tag on books, journals, manuscripts, electronic media like CDs, etc., and verify the available stock quickly.
5. Theft reduction as RFID tagging of library items and secure access control discourage theft with real-time tracking of items.
6. Automated sorting of books on return with RFID and improved staff productivity.
7. Enhanced inventory visibility accuracy and efficiency with RFID tagging and tracking.
8. Self-deposit boxes and kiosks offer 24-hour service for patrons where they can easily return their books issued on their membership.
9. Reduced costs of replacing stock as theft and misplacement are minimized with RFID.
10. RFID integration in the library also allows staff to devote more time to customer experience and less time on clerical tasks, stock tracking, audit, etc. It leads to a better patron experience.
RFID Hardware and Software Needed to Implement the Library Management System
If you’re a library owner or library manager and wish to implement our Library Management System, here is the list of things you’ll need:
1.RFID labels for books and journals.
2. RFID Fixed and handheld readers
3. RFID antennas for fixed readers and gate system
4. Android application for the handheld reader
5. RFID printer
6. Desktop printer application (for printing and encoding RFID tags)
7. Library Management System- Web application (for complete inventory view and library operations)
To summarize, implementing RFID technology in libraries offers several benefits in terms of RFID-based secure access control, inventory management, stock verification, theft prevention, book borrowing and deposit, fee and fine collection on memberships, etc. RFID labels on books ensure quick audit, easy book finding at the library, āand streamlined library operations. RFID helps with reorganizing library shelves with misplaced books and ensuring a great patron experience.