Library RFID systems help reduce human intervention during the checkout/check-in process for accurate results and to prevent misplacement or thefts of books.
RFID tags have embedded access information that is immediately transmitted to a reader, meaning library workers only need scan the item once.
RFID systems make library shelf management much simpler by enabling staff members to quickly identify and correct mistakes on shelves using hand-held readers.
Book Issuing
RFID Based Library Automation Systems allow librarians to issue books to users by scanning a barcode on each book, saving both time and manual operation for librarians. Furthermore, they allow tracking which book has been issued or returned, helping prevent theft by only authorizing persons accessing books within specified periods. If one of the books goes unreturned in that period then their account will be blocked in main databases until cleared up by librarian.
Library management software enables librarians to assign fines for late returns of books. Furthermore, users will receive notification via email or SMS of when their due date is approaching and this allows the librarian to collect all dues timely – in cases of an outstanding fine the librarian can even block access to any services within the library until payment has been made in full.
To prevent such incidents, libraries can implement an RFID-based library management system. This system includes state of the art RFID equipment and tags connected to library management software for automation of key library processes that facilitate more efficient management of collections.
RFID systems not only save librarians time but have many other advantages for libraries as a whole. For instance, they help cut inventory process time significantly as each tag can be read multiple times from far distance and the information transferred directly into the computer – eliminating manual counting items altogether!
RFID-based systems provide highly reliable theft detection. This is because the tags and readers communicate directly with LIS (Integrated Library System), with RFID tags encoding each item’s circulation status allowing readers to know whether or not it has been checked out; if an item passes past exit sensors it will trigger alarms, as opposed to traditional barcode-based systems which require humans to read them and determine their status.
Book Return
RFID library systems enable books to be returned without human involvement, dramatically speeding up the checkout and check-in process. When combined with an automated materials handling system, productivity increases exponentially – freeing library staff members up for other important tasks like helping visitors and engaging spaces rather than inventory management.
RFID tags are attached to each book in a library and stored with its information at an RFID workstation. Each RFID tag also contains an antenna which communicates wirelessly with an RFID reader; when scanning is complete, an RFID workstation recognizes its barcode number and stores any relevant details into its database.
Library RFID tags outlive barcodes and can be scanned multiple times without the need for replacement. They’re not susceptible to environmental factors like light or moisture exposure and are nearly impossible to tamper with, while being read at shorter ranges than barcodes – and multiple items can be scanned simultaneously!
RFID Drop Box for Return of Books Libraries can utilize an RFID-enabled book drop box either inside the building, or externally near it, so when customers place items inside it they are automatically updated in inventory records with details about each book returned and whether there are overdue books that should be returned on time. When this happens the system alerts users if their book(s) have overdue loans so that they know to return them on schedule.
RFID also allows libraries to employ self-checkout/self-checkout kiosks. Customers use scanners to scan a book’s barcode before placing it into a RFID drop box for return – eliminating human interaction costs while recording returns into inventory at any time, saving staffing costs while improving overall customer experience. This system is particularly advantageous for busy libraries looking to cut expenses while offering better overall service experiences to their clients.
Security Gates
Security gates can make a tremendous difference for libraries that rely on RFID for self-service, speeding up and simplifying checkout and return transactions for visitors while helping ensure all books, CDs and DVDs are returned for reissue as quickly as possible.
RFID systems make inventory management and collection management much simpler. RFID tags contain information that can trigger alarms in the gate when an item is taken without authorization; this feature is particularly helpful for librarians working in stacks or to stop anyone leaving with books they haven’t checked out.
RFID systems can be even more effective at deterring theft than barcode or electromagnetic (EM) systems. A properly configured RFID system connects reader and tag directly with the library management system, so items with valid library cards or key tags are tracked and tracked down quickly and accounted for properly.
Contrasting with electromagnetic (EM) systems that require sensitizing and desensitizing a strip of magnets every time an item passes through the gate, RFID systems are fully automatic with no extra steps required from staff or users – saving both time and resources in your library by freeing staff up to focus more attention on customer engagement and making human connections with patrons.
Our RFID gate technology uses a sophisticated RFID reader and microcontroller. The gate detects RFID tags at close range in any orientation. When an RFID tag is detected, it sends a signal back to the reader that indicates what kind of information the reader is searching for; for instance if it’s a library book tag it might reply with its ID number which will then be conveyed back into our Integrated Library System to recover its title and credit the user account while also leading it back into its proper receptacle for reshelving purposes.
Data Management
Implementing RFID technology into libraries helps improve data management speed and accuracy – two essential aspects for efficient library operations. RFID also enhances patron self-service and self-sufficiency as well as protecting against theft or mishandling of materials, thus saving time spent looking for misplaced books while decreasing staff requirements for inventory checks and stocking duties.
RFID systems also provide for more accurate readings than barcodes, as they can read multiple tags at the same time and without needing to align themselves with a scanner. This makes processing large stacks quickly much simpler while also decreasing errors caused by handwriting or damaged barcodes. Furthermore, RFID tags are extremely durable – meaning you won’t need to keep replacing them over time!
RFID library automation enables quick, smooth and error-free check out/check in processes for both patrons and staff, saving both their time. Tracking each item individually saves both parties time, as it automatically records transactions without human involvement being needed; and can prevent patrons from having to wait in long lines as this system will process their returns without them needing to manually scan items back in.
This system also detects book circulation status; should a reader return an incorrect book or take one that isn’t checked out, an immediate alert is generated and sent out immediately by the system to ensure overdue items don’t build up – an issue for many library systems.
Bibliotheca’s RFID-enabled libraries boast a variety of features, such as mobile conversion stations, book dropboxes, anti-theft gates, shelf management solutions and handheld readers for books. Each solution can be tailored to meet the individual requirements of each library, making them suitable for schools, universities and corporate workplaces alike. When selecting your supplier it’s essential that they can offer custom solutions as well as have proven experience within this sector; also making sure that they demonstrate their work live to provide excellent customer service and deliver excellence within these institutions!
