UHF RFID library management system

UHF RFID based Library Management System comprises RFID-enabled modules such as shelf management, self check-in/check-out, books tagging, etc that automates the day-to-day functions of the library enabling librarians to perform book issuing, re-issuing, and returning of books efficiently.

RFID Technology:

RFID means Radio Frequency Identification. RFID technology integrated library software provides wireless identification of people, books, or assets. RFID Tag is made up of an integrated antenna and memory. In the Library, an RFID tag is attached to each book and accession number of the book is stored in tag memory.

An RFID Reader reads this accession number and sends it to library automation software.

UHF - Ultra High Frequency Technology is the most advanced technology with a very high read range of 1-3 meters as compared to old HF and LF – technologies where read range is a few Centimeters. UHF is a low cost, high multi-read, highly accurate with minimum misread. Therefore, UHF RFID technology is preferred by us.

Tagging of Books:

RFID Tag is pasted on the inner side of the front cover page of the book & full page. Sticker is attached to it to hide it from patrons and tagging is done using an RFID reader. Tagging means writing RFID tag EPC code to library management software & writing accession number to tag memory. With this now the book is ready for all RFID operations. Patrons are issued RFID ID cards.

Self check KIOSK:

Self check KIOSK module of the library software offers the facility of self- automated issue – return (check-in/out) of books to patrons.

Self Issue: Patron shows his RFID card to the reader in Kiosk for automatic login. After that, he/she puts books to be issued on the RFID reader for the issue. Books are issued to patrons. RFID tag status becomes – “Quit” & patrons can take away the books through the security system at the library exit gate without any theft alarm.

Self Return: For the self-return of books, the student just keeps the books on the reader of Kiosk & the books are returned and the patron loan is canceled.

While the issue or the return receipt is printed and SMS is sent to patrons.

Shelf Management:

The shelf management system consists of a mobile RFID reader integrated with library management software. This facilitates almost instant searching of the desired book in the library & quicker library books verification (stock verification) without a line of sight. The long read range of 3 meters makes stock verification & book searching an easy task.

For stock verification, press the scan button of the reader & move the reader across the shelves. Reader -gathers all the unique accession no. of books in the physical range of 1 meter.

The collected accession numbers are transferred to the Library Management System & a stock verification report is generated. It verifies 100,000 books per day.

Searching for a book: Enter the accession number to search in reader & sweep across shelves. When a book is nearby the reader, a built-in beeper sounds to alert the librarians.

Anti Theft detection:

The RFID anti-theft portals (Security system) are placed at the exit gate of the library & portal tracks books up-to 3 meters and would trigger the alarm with red flashlights when patrons pass through the gate with un-issued books. It can detect multiple items at a time. This is the most accurate library security system with a minimum false alarm.

Book Drop stations:

The patron can return books any time - 24x7 - in RFID-enabled book drop stations which are normally kept outside the institution’s library. Patron's loan is immediately canceled and SMS is sent to him/her. A book return slip is printed & a “beep” sound comes out with a green light that glows on returning the book.