Friday, March 15, 2013

Application of RFID Technology for Libraries

Of course we all know that the library is a place where we can borrow books either in the school or the city or county library. As the development of technology and modernization of the library, efficiency, speed and accuracy are needed in arranging the books and other media in the library.

It can not be denied that a good management system in library can improve the efficiency, speed and accuracy of setting the book or media and the rank of mobility "transaction" in the library itself.

Usually modern library already uses barcode technology and assistance computer to process the media database or book they have. Along with the progress of time, technology is shifting toward better and more advanced. RFID technology is becoming hot issue even used by today's modern library, although it is possible, use along with barcode technology.



RFID technology overcomes the disadvantages that exist in barcode technology. The ability of RFID to setup and automation books or borrowing transactions return the book (media) on the library better than barcode technology, because it can be done independently, even without the help of an operator or the librarian.

To apply RFID technology in a modern library, should done gradually, so the transition will not be felt and not interfere with the work of the existing library system.

Suppose the ABC school library  has been using computers for managerial collection of books, and use of barcode scanners to facilitate lending transactions and return books or media.

Broadly speaking, what is needed is tagging books in a library or media, reader and writer hardware or RFID tagging and software interfacing or  program interfacing to an existing database. can be summarized for RFID hardware there are 2 types:

- Sticker / label tag for the book (the or other tags to other media as well)
- Desktop Reader / Writer to read / write the information on the RFID tag
while of the software, generally only the interfacing between the RFID hardware existing database.

With a minimal initial investment stage, then the transition is expected will go smoothly. Desktop RFID reader / writer in the programs first , so in sync with the database software libraries (interfacing process).
The next stage of work books or media library collection affixed with RFID tags and the information filled in by a desktop writer / reader, by the way uploaded from the PC database or scan the barcode or manually typed via a PC.

Books have stickers affixed RFID and already in the content data via RFID Writer prepared in Circulate
with RFID technology. To borrow or return a book, simply by approaching book to Desktop RFID reader with help of the librarian.

The next development is total automation and managerial where RFID technology implementation carried out in an integrated and fully automated, so that the library can be reduced or even necessary for the transaction of borrowing or returning books / media library.



In this stage there are several RFID hardware is required, in addition to software development course.
The hardware required is:
- Gate reader support EAS, mounted on the door and out of the library
- Robust multi-tag RFID reader for lending platform independent or drop box returns (self assesment)
- Handheld RFID for managing and finding books on the shelf in the library directly



As for the modern library as shown in the demo video below:
ith the help of RFID technology is expected to save time and effort, both in terms of users and librarians themselves.

This article is published by http://rfid.rosesana.com  in Bahasa Indonesia