Recently, the use of RFID tags to control the movement of books, videotapes, CDs and other storage objects has been growing rapidly. It becomes obvious that in libraries, RFID technology has a number of undoubted advantages over traditional barcodes and anti-theft tags, significantly reducing the time and cost of libraries.
Modern requirements: more service in less time
The librarian removes books from the shelf, gives them to readers, then the books are handed back, returned to the shelf, and so on many times in a row. It takes a huge amount of time and human resources to properly manage and control the movement of books through a library.
Most librarians recognize that barcodes and traditional anti-theft systems have reached their limits in modern library book management, especially given the demands placed on libraries today.
Today, libraries face several of the most important challenges:
- improve the level of reader service;
- automate standard operations as much as possible to increase productivity;
- take inventory more frequently and quickly;
- reduce the time for issuing materials;
- manage your library in real time.
System elements Label
An RFID tag is a thin label with an antenna and a chip on it with the ability to contactlessly read and write information. Typically, the tag is placed under the cover of each book. The tag can be covered with an additional security label with a barcode, library logo, or book information printed on it. Each tag usually has an activated and deactivated anti-theft function built into it.
Programming and cataloging station
The programming station is used for programming tags, that is, linking a tag identifier to a specific book in the database, as well as effectively transferring the library collection from existing barcoding technology (if one was previously used) to RFID technology in whole or in part. The ergonomic design of the station allows personnel to quickly process materials. When an object is placed on the programming station, the data from the barcode tag is automatically entered into the RFID memory of the Biblio Tag, at the same time the anti-theft function is activated.
Small and ergonomic, the programming station works great on metal desks and is not susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Programming read/write and activating the anti-theft function is carried out in one operation. At the same time, the programming station easily connects to any computer and is compatible with any library information system.
Book collection station
Book lending station This station is used to issue and accept books by library workers. With the use of an RFID system, there is no longer any need to open the book, check the barcode and deactivate the anti-theft function - all this is done automatically in one action.
Moreover, you can now process several books at the same time. Since the anti-theft function is built into the chip, while the object is being identified, the anti-theft area of the chip is deactivated. As a result, the processing time for materials is reduced, books are issued faster, and queues are reduced.
If the library also uses RFID reader cards, identification of readers can be done simultaneously with identification of books by the same reader at the same time. The same benefits exist for the process of accepting books from readers.
Inventory Equipment
The Inventory Reader allows librarians to quickly and easily take inventory by identifying books on shelves. This reader was specially designed for inventorying funds, as well as for searching for specific books. The reader is connected to a computer (PDA), which stores and displays data related to the item being identified. The information is then transferred to the library database.
The inventory reader consists of a long, lightweight handle with a flexible RFID antenna, allowing easy access to library materials, incl. located on the top shelves, and the high reading speed of the reader allows it to receive information from tags by simply moving the reader’s antenna along the shelves with books.
All books are identified accurately, regardless of their thickness and distance from the edge of the shelf, and the shelf can be made of any material, including metal. The inventory reader provides uninterrupted, battery-powered operation for several hours.
This reader connects to a computer, which significantly increases the amount of available memory and allows library workers to download a large amount of information necessary for work.
Anti-theft RFID gates
Anti-theft gatesThe anti-theft system for RFID tags demonstrates the most modern algorithm for monitoring the movement of objects, which accurately responds to a tag with an activated anti-theft function. During the process of dispensing or receiving materials, the anti-theft function is activated or deactivated depending on the operation. Objects that have not been properly checked when entering the detection area immediately trigger the system's alarm mechanism.
RFID systems have long been successfully used in many libraries around the world, for example, in the libraries of the universities of Nevada, Northland, Connecticut, etc. (USA), Middlesex University Library, Vienna Public Library (Austria), Stuttgart Public Library (Germany), National University Library (Singapore). One of the most global projects in this area is the National Library System program in the Netherlands, under its auspices all libraries in the country are gradually being equipped. In the first quarter of 2006 alone, about 150 RFID library systems were installed around the world.
The use of RFID systems solves almost all the problems facing modern libraries: work with collections occurs in real time, the quality of work with readers improves, queues disappear, inventories can be carried out tens of times faster, books are reliably protected from theft and loss (remote search function books) and much more.
RFID technology is the most modern and high-tech solution that can be offered today to solve the main problems of the library.
24.05.2017
Security frames against theft at the entrance to a library or reading room are becoming a common attribute of this type of service. In many libraries, visitors are allowed free access to book shelves, and the librarian serves as an administrator who records the issuance and return of printed publications or CDs using electronic devices. In the most modern institutions installed radio frequency magnetic gates that support RFID technology. The cost of such anti-theft equipment is high, as it implies complete automation of the process and the use of special tags that contain anti-theft and information functions. The convenience of RFID is that security frames respond to reusable magnetic tags that can be activated and deactivated tens of thousands of times. The RF security gate is activated if a reader takes out a book without passing the librarian. Very thin special anti-theft markers are practically invisible, and the glue does not damage the paper.
However, most government literature issuing institutions cannot afford the cost of such technology. Here it is advisable to install ordinary radio frequency gates (anti-theft frames used in trade), but not at the doors to the library, but in front of the reading room. In this case, books are issued manually and visitors are not allowed to the shelves. However, an anti-theft frame at the entrance to the reading room is required. It is prohibited to remove literature from here with which the reader is left alone for some time.
Since it is cheaper to use conventional RF gates, it is necessary to select the most convenient consumables for them. It is impossible to attach hard anti-theft sensors to books, so it is optimal to use disposable miniature radio frequency stickers measuring 3x3 cm. There is no need to deactivate them, magnetic pullers and deactivators are not needed - the main thing is that the magnetic anti-theft frames react to an attempted theft. Anti-theft tags are carefully glued to a valuable printed publication, which usually has a classic fabric or leather binding, under which a label is glued using tweezers.
Security magnetic gates in front of the reading room perform an important psychological function. Even if you put labels on every tenth book, the attacker will still refrain from stealing, believing that he simply could not detect the mark on the sample taken. RF security frames and regular labels do not correspond to modern trends in library collection anti-theft equipment, but they are a good budget solution for protecting the most valuable items from theft. Thefts can be avoided by using even cheaper electromagnetic security frames, but radio frequency gates have a larger tag detection range compared to them.
The use of RFID systems in the book industry and libraries is preferable to barcoding.
RFID transponders (chips) – small-sized sticker tags. The size of the book marks is 55 by 85 millimeters. The tags have personal codes, thanks to which the library system can distinguish between printed publications. Each chip has an anti-theft function built into it. The chips have a rewritable memory, which is used to mark permission or prohibition for the removal of books or records. The tag can be covered with a protective film with a barcode, library logo or other information.
Chipping library books with RFID transponders and using special readers allows you to control the process of circulation of books indoors and quickly find the required copy of a book.
The use of specialized self-service stations and electronic tickets gives them the opportunity to hand over and receive book publications on their own, simplifies the work of librarians, and allows them to avoid mistakes during the procedure for accepting or issuing books.
RFID tag sectors:
- saving personal code;
- memory sector with the ability to rewrite information;
- security sector.
Information is entered into the tag memory using different methods, depending on their design qualities.
Advantages of using RFID systems in libraries
- Chips can be out of sight of the reader and can be installed covertly;
- adhesive surface of the tag and easy application;
- the chip is covered with a security label with a barcode or logo;
- long service life, the label cannot be faked, marking books becomes a one-time procedure;
- identification and protection from illegal removal of books.
Library problems that can be solved through the use of RFID technologies
- improving the level of reader service;
- reduction of time for issuing books;
- full automation of standard operations that contribute to increased productivity;
- personification of readers;
- ensuring the safety of printed publications from unauthorized removal;
- real-time library management;
- personalization of books, their protection from theft;
- acceptance/issuance by library employees of more than 5 books simultaneously with activation/deactivation of the anti-theft function through the book lending station;
- free choice by the visitor of a printed publication without the participation of employees, receipt of books thanks to an RFID self-service station;
- conducting an operational inventory of books;
- the use of RFID cards for personalizing readers and working with book issuing and receiving stations, controlling access to printers and copiers.
The main problem for libraries is the safety of the book collection from illegal removal. After all, at the same time it is necessary to create comfortable conditions for visitors in the process of selecting books on shelves with open access and issuing/receiving documents.
Automation of the library system using RFID technologies allows you to raise it to a high level, making the institution more attractive to visitors.
An important component of the RFID library system is the electronic ticket.
An electronic user ticket is a plastic card used to automate the user identification procedure, provide control and management of readers and staff access to the library, and maintain operational records.
An electronic card can have an individual design and have additional functions. At self-service stations, the ticket is used for personalization, at return stations - for registering storage media, for maintaining accounts, opening electronic locks, and making payments at self-service stations and photocopiers.
Methods for obtaining electronic cards
- Purchasing blank tickets and then entering data on them. To do this you need a printer and consumables. Equipment breakdowns often occur with this method.
- Purchasing ready-made tickets with library information already entered. All information about the reader is placed in an electronic database.
How do RFID transponders function in a library?
When books or magazines first arrive at the storage facility, RFID chips are programmed and fixed on the endpapers. After marking the book stock to personalize books, there is no need for direct visibility of the marks: they will be read at a certain distance and through the cover.
Readers operate in the same range as tags and are installed in self-service stations, registration, security systems, return and sorting of book publications, and portable terminals. Reading tags lasts several seconds; at the same time, it is possible to process several tags that fall within the reading zone.
RFID chips 3M TM for libraries
3M TM transponders are securely attached to book covers; data can be rewritten to them many times. They operate in the 13.56 MHz band and guarantee 100% identification of each book.
The undoubted advantages of transponders
- the maximum data reading distance that a custom antenna design can provide;
- stability of the performance qualities of 3M TM, simultaneous registration of a certain number of books throughout the entire period of use of the chips;
- The service life of transponders is comparable to the service life of book publications. The marks are durable, do not depend on the quality of its cover, are applied once during the initial registration of a book, and are used on different surfaces of books.
A new anti-theft system for libraries, 3M Library Systems 3500, has been introduced in Russia.
The main component of the anti-theft system is a detector system that automatically prevents unauthorized removal of books, audio and video tapes and other media from the library. The system is equipped with sound and light alarms, has an adjustable height of the detector zone and increased resistance to interference. According to 3M statistics, the new system will allow libraries to reduce up to 80% of book thefts in the first year of its operation.
The new anti-theft system for libraries is equipped with sets of special markers with an adhesive layer, a marker activation/deactivation device and a detector system. A special marker is attached to a book, audio cassette or other storage medium in a place inconspicuous to the reader. The activation/deactivation device programs the marker to prohibit or allow the removal of a book from the library.
A detector system, usually installed at the exit from a library or reading room, non-contactly reads information from the marker of a book taken out of the library, and if the book is prohibited for removal, the system turns on sound/voice and light alarms.
The 3500 detector system uses new low-frequency marker technology to minimize the possibility of false alarms caused by electronic library equipment or metal objects (keys, watches, lighters or credit cards) in library patrons' pockets or bags. All this does not affect the accuracy and reliability of the anti-theft system.
In the event of unauthorized removal of literature from the library, the anti-theft system turns on a sound and light alarm and allows you to accurately determine which of the visitors caused its activation. Additionally, with the 3M Voice Alarm, you can include a pre-written voice message that will sound at the same time as or instead of the standard alarm.
The anti-theft system provides for adjusting the height of the detection zone depending on the habits of library visitors to carry materials. Detection of materials prohibited from being removed from the library is possible from floor level to a height of 180 cm. In addition, the detection system is equipped with a visitor counter, which registers readers and helps improve the accuracy of library reporting. The system records all cases of security violations, which it automatically enters into the violation protocol indicating the date, time and reason for the violation.
Depending on the width of the doorways, you can install either a single-section or a two-section model of the detector system. The width between the detector panels is sufficient for the free passage of a wheelchair or a baby stroller. The anti-theft system provides the possibility of remote control. Detector panels are mounted directly on the floor. Connecting wires can be located flush with the floor, or hidden under the floor, allowing detector panels to be installed in various locations.
Currently, in various libraries around the world, including in Russia, more than 5,000 3M anti-theft systems are installed, which protect more than 150,000,000 books from theft. Over 30 years in the market, 3M has improved its electronic systems to such an extent that today they can reduce book losses by at least 80% in the first year of operation of the system.
Based on materials from Sec.ru