Application of RFID Technology in Libraries: problems & prospect
Dr. Subal Kumar Barui
&
Dr. Nimai Shit, Dr. Tanmay De Sarkar, Safique Ahamad
Assistant Librarian
University of Calcutta
Email: skbarui@caluniv.ac.in, nshit@caluniv.ac.in, tdesarkar@caluniv.ac.in,
safiqueahamad@gmail.com
Abstracts : Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system is a flexible technology which is convenient,
easy to use and well suited for automatic operations. It does the same job as barcodes but offers
potentially a lot more. It allows an item, for example a library book to be tracked and communicated by
radio webs. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a revolutionary new input identification and
process technology which integrates the advantage of earlier systems. This paper highlights various
problems and prospects of RFID technology in Libraries.
Keywords: Electronic barcode, Library automation, RFID technology, Security system, Self–circulation.
Preamble:
Libraries are increasingly coming under the main fold of the electronic age. Modern library holds millions
of book, periodicals, CD’s and DVD’s in the inventory. Managing this inventory can be time consuming,
labour intensive and costly to the library administrators in a conventional setup. As we know, new
technologies are being adopted everywhere to offer enhanced and improved library services, RFID based
library operations are gradually introduced as creditable replacement to barcode technology. At present,
when libraries of all kinds are facing economic constraint the overwhelming reason for considering RFID
technology is that it being the most beneficial one, not only for improving quality of service, but also for
promising to relieve off repetitive task, allowing patron initiated self-checkout facilities.
About RFID:
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. RFID is an automatic identification method, relying on
storing and remotely data using devices called RFID tags or transponders. This technology, though new to
libraries, has been in use in other sectors for more than 30 years. A typical RFID tag consists of a
microchip attached to a radio antenna mounted on a substrate. RFID technologies use radio waves to
automatically identify people or objects. There are several methods of identification, but the most
common is to store a serial number that identifies a person or an object and perhaps other information on
a microchip that is attached to an antenna (the chip and the antenna together are called an RFID
transponder or an RFID tag). The antenna enables the chip to transmit the identified information to a
RFID reader.
Components of RFID: The main components of RFID system are:-
1.RFID tag or transponder:
The heart of the system is the RFID tag, which can be fixed inside a book’s back cover of directly on to
CD, DVD and Video. This tag is equipped with a programmable chip and an antenna. Each paper-thin tag
contains an engraved antenna and a microchip with a capacity of at least 64 bits. There are three types of
tags viz. ‘Read only’ ‘write-once-read-many’ and ‘read/ write’. In Read only tag usually identification is
encoded at the time of manufacture and are not rewritable. WORM (write-once-read-many) tags are
programmed by the using organization, but without the ability of rewriting them later. Tags, which are
chosen by most libraries, can have information changed or added. A tag usually has a capacity of at least
256 bits.
2.RFID reader or sensor:
RFID readers are radio frequency devices designed to detect and read tags to obtain the information
stored on them. The RFID reader provides power to an antenna to generate an RF field. When a tag
passes through the field, the information stored on the chip in tag is decoded by the RFID reader and is
communicated to an integrated library system.
3.Detection system or gate sensor:
Exit gate have antennae in them, these antennae produce radio signals to active the tag and read the data
stored in it. Antennae are the channels between the tag and the RFID reader controls the system’s data
acquisitions and communication.
4.Server or decoding station:
The server is the heart of a comprehensive RFID system. It is the communication gateway among various
components. It receives the information from the antenna and exchanges information with the circulation
database. Its software should include the applications programming interface necessary to link it with the
automated library system. The server should typically include a transaction database so that reports can be
produced.
Associate Components : RFID system also includes the following additional components
(Bibliotheca 2003):
i) RFID Label Printer
ii) Handheld Reader
iii) External Book Return
Functioning of a RFID system:
RFID system consists of a tag (made up of microchip with an antenna) and a reader with an antenna beset
on it. The tag contains a unique serial number, which holds some code to identify an object and perhaps
other information. The antenna enables the chip to transmit the identification information to a reader.
Then reader converts the radio webs reflected back from the RFID Tag into digital information that can
then be passed on to computers that can make use of it.
Problems of RFID Application
1.High cost :
The major problems of implementing RFID technology in a library is the cost. RFID system involves not
only RFID tags, readers with antennae, but also entire gamut of technology adoption including, automated
check-out machines, theft detection system, RFID enabled gate among others.
2.Exit gates:
Exit gate must read tags at up to twice the distance of the other RFID readers. They should sense the tags
at least from a distance more than 48 inches (usual width of main exit gate). The performance of exist
sensors is better when the antennae on the tags are larger or when the exit lanes are 36 to 42 inches, rather
than the 48 inches.
3.Removal of tags:
RFID tags are generally fixed to the inside back cover of the book, which are clearly visible to the patrons
and are exposed to removal. This problem is very common in Indian scenario. Students often remove tags
even for fun sake.
4.RFID standards:
RFID has been implemented in different ways by different manufacturers; global standards are still being
worked on. It should be noted that some RFID devices are never meant to leave their network (as in the
case of RFID tags used for inventory control within a company). This can cause problems for companies.
Technical problems:
1.Reader collision:
The signal from one reader can interfere with the signal from another, where coverage overlaps.
This is called reader collision. One way to avoid the problem is to use a technique called time
division multiple access, or TDMA. In simple terms, the readers are instructed to read at
different times, rather than both trying to read at the same time. This ensures that they don't
interfere with each other. But it means any RFID tag in an area where two readers overlap will
be read twice (FAQ 2004).
2.Tag collision:
Another problem readers face is reading a lot of chips in the same field. Tag clash occurs when
more than one chip reflects back a signal at the same time, confusing the reader. Different
vendors have developed different systems for having the tags to respond to the reader one at a
time. Since they can be read in milliseconds, it appears that all the tags are being read
simultaneously (FAQ, 2004).
3.Prospects of RFID
The use of RFID reduces the amount of the time required to perform circulation operations. The most
significant time saving is attributable to the fact that several items in the stack can be generated at the
same time. While initially unreliable, the anti-collision algorithm that allows an entire stack to be charged
or discharged now appears to be working well.
4.Time Saving:
The application of RFID reduces the amount of time required to perform circulation operations. This
helps the library staff to relieve from excess workload and improve customer services and helps users
through speedy borrowing and return procedure.
5.Tag Life:
RFID tags lasts longer than barcodes because nothing comes to contact with them. Most of the RFID
vendors claim minimum of one lakh transactions before a tag may need to be replaced.
6.Stock Verification:
For verifying the books in library, a lightweight handheld device (scanner) can read tags embedded on
books just as they are on shelves at a rate of 12 per second. The server attached with the scanner can be
programmed to search for missing book.
7.Self- check in and Check –out:
Special staff members are not required to execute simple tasks like book issue and return. Touch screen
based self –checkout / renew station (exactly similar to ATM’s) can enable patron to issue, return and
renew books, CDs, etc., by themselves without any staff.
8.Finding missing book / Document :
It becomes challenging to find a particular misplaced book among thousands of books in the library. Even
barcode does not help. By feeding an accession number to the RFID hand –held inventory reader, one can
locate a missing item very fast. It does not require the book to be tipped out or removed the books from
the shelf.
9.Security Gates:
Installed at the library exit, these gates read the security setting that are stored in RFID tags and determine
whether or not the items should be permitted to leave the library premises. If an item is not properly
checked out, an alarm will sound to alert the library staff against theft cases.
10.High Reliability:
The RFID Readers are highly reliable. Several vendors of RFID Library systems claim an almost 100
percent detection rate using tags. Mostly if a RFID reader is within 18 inches of the tags, it detects them
well.
Barcodes and RFID.
1. Human intervention is required to scan a barcode, where as in most application, a RFID tag can
be detected hands off.
2. Barcode must be visible on the outside of product or object packing. RFID tags can be placed
inside the packaging or even in the product itself.
3. You must have “line of sight” to read a barcode as it uses laser technology. RFID tagged item can
be read even if they are behind other items as it uses radio wave technology.
4. The readability of barcode can be impaired by dirt, moisture, abrasion or packaging, etc. RFID
tags are not affected by those conditions.
5. RFID tags have a longer reading range than barcodes.
6. RFID tags have read / write memory capability, barcode don’t.
7. More data can be stored in a RFID tag than that of barcode.
Conclusion:
It is clear from the above discussion that a RFID system may be a comprehensive system that addresses
the security, materials tracking needs and circulation of documents in a library. RFID in the library is not
a threat if best practice guidelines are followed religiously, as it speeds up book borrowing and
inventories and frees staff to do more user-service tasks. In the long run, the technology saves money too
and quickly gives a return on investment. Though the initial investment towards implementation of RFID
is very high, still it is proven to be the robust, reliable, efficient and secured system in comparison to
other mode of surveillance. It has several customizable features that are best suited for libraries and its
communities. It is certain that reengineering RFID technology will make many Indian libraries to adopt
this in near future.
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