1. Introduction
RFID is an acronym for Radio Frequency Identification. It is a technology that allows an item, for example a library book to be tracked and communicated with by radio waves. This technology is similar in concept to a Cell Phone.
Radio frequency identification, or RFID, is a broad term for technologies that 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 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 identification information to a reader. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information that can then be passed on to computers that can make use of it.
2.Concept of RFID for Libraries
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is the latest technology to be used in library circulation operations and theft detection systems. RFID-based systems move beyond security to become tracking systems that combine security with more efficient tracking of materials throughout the library, including easier and faster charge and discharge, inventorying, and materials handling.
This technology helps librarians reduce valuable staff time spent scanning barcodes while checking out and checking in borrowed items.
RFID is a combination of radio -frequency-based technology and microchip technology. The information contained on microchips in the tags affixed to library materials is read using radio frequency technology regardless of item orientation or alignment (i.e., the technology does not require line-of-sight or a fixed plane to read tags as do traditional theft detection systems). The RFID gates at the library exit(s) can be as wide as four feet because the tags can be read at a distance of up to two feet by each of two parallel exit gate sensors.
2.1 Components of an RFID System
A comprehensive RFID system has four components:
(1) RFID tags that are electronically programmed with unique information;
(2) Readers or sensors to query the tags;
(3) Antenna; and
(4) Server on which the software that interfaces with the integrated library software is loaded.
2.1.1Tags
The heart of the system is the RFID tag, which can be fixed inside a book’s back cover or directly onto CDs and videos. This tag is equipped with a programmeable 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: “read only”, “WORM,” and “read/write.
“Tags are “read only” if the identification is encoded at the time of manufacture and not rewritable.
“WORM” (Write-Once-Read-Many)” tags are programmed by the using organization, but without the ability of rewriting them later.
“Read/write tags,” which are chosen by most libraries, can have information changed or added. In RFID library, it is common to have part of the read/write tag secured against rewriting, e.g., the identification number of the item.
2.1.2 Readers
The reader powers an antenna to generate an RF field. When a tag passes through the field, the information stored on the chip in the tag is interpreted by the reader and sent to the server, which, in turn, communicates with the Integrated library system when the RFID system is interfaced with it.
RFID exit gate sensors (readers) at exits are basically two types. One type reads the information on the tag(s) going by and communicates that information to a server. The server, after checking against the circulation database, turn on an alarm if the material is not properly checked-out. Another type relies on a “theft” byte in the tag that is turned on or off to show that the item has been charged or not. It is then not necessary to communicate with the circulation database.
Readers in RFID library are used in the following ways:
Conversion station-where library data is written to the tag;
Staff workstation at circulation- used to charge and discharge library materials;
Self check-out station-used to check-out library materials without staff assistance;
Self check-in station-used to check in books etc. without staff assistance;
Exit sensors- to verify that all the books etc. leaving the library have been checked-out;
Book-drop reader- used to automatically discharge library materials and reactivate security.
Sorter and conveyor-automated system for returning books etc. to proper area of library;
Hand-held reader-used for inventorying and verifying that books etc. are shelved correctly.
2.1.3 Antenna
The antenna produces radio signals to activate the tag and read and write data to it. Antennas are the channels between the tag and the reader, which controls the system’s data acquisitons and communication. The electromagnetic field produced by an antenna can be constantly present when multiple tags are expected continually. Antennas can be built into a doorframe to receive tag data from person’s things passing through the door.
2.1.4 Server
The server is the heart of some comprehensive RFID systems. It is the communications gateway among the various components. It receives the information from one or more of the readers and exchanges information with the circulation database. Its software includes the SIP/SIP2 (Session Initiation Protocol), APIs (Applications Programming Interface) NCIP or SLNP necessary to interface it with the integrated library software. The server typically includes a transaction database so that reports can be produced.
2.2 Optional Components
Optional RFID system includes the following three components:
1. RFID Label Printer
2. Handheld Reader
3. External Book Return
1. RFID label Printer
An RFID-printer is used to print the labels with an individual barcode, library logo etc. When the print is applied, it simultaneously programmed the data in to the chip. After this process, the RFID label is taken from the printer and self-adhered to the book. It also checks each RFID label for function.
2. Handheld Reader/Inventory Wand
The portable Handheld Reader or inventory wand can be moved along the items on the shelves without touching them. The data goes to a storage unit, which can be downloaded at a server later on, or it can go to a unit, which will transmit it to the server using wireless technology. The inventory wand will cover three requirements:
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