1

BENEFITS RFID IN LIBRARY MANAGEMENT

1. Allows patrons to perform self

check-out and book returns,
increasing reader convenience and
reducing the workload of library
staff.
2. The automatic inventory check
mechanism enables the immediate
generation of statistical reports.
Once time-consuming inventory
tasks can now be accomplished in
a shorter time.
3. The system facilitates book
searches and shelf arrangement,
providing a worry-free solution for
library clerks against the
misplacement of books.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is the latest technology that is being
adopted to track and trace materials, including books. RFID based Library
Management System has been implemented in most of the reputed libraries
across the globe. RFID interfaced library management system, along with smart
card issued to the users are being implemented to automate the library functions
and make the inventory management process efficient and effective. The
system improves the tracking of books and documents so that the books can be
more quickly located, the document workflow more easily tracked and
transaction records are seamlessly captured.
RFID-Smart Card based Library System is perhaps the first step towards a Smart
Campus Solution.

The digitization of library

management systems is an
international best practice aimed at
elevating the user-friendliness and
usability of libraries.

Library Management System Interfaced with RFID & Smart Card

 2

COMPONENTS THE PROCESS

1. Production Workstation • Whenever a new book is acquired by the library, an RFID tag is attached into
the book with the relevant information like, call number, accession number, book
2. Counter Workstation: number, etc.

3. Book Drop
4. EAS Gate
5. Inventory Control Workstation
6. RFID Smart Labels / tags
7. Shelf for “Preserved Books
• The detailed information regarding the book is also captured in the computer
database.
• The computer database also stores all information for individual users (patrons)
of the library.
• Each patron is supplied with a smart card. These smart cards carry identification
data for each patron.

8. Intelligent Periodicals Shelf The efficacy of the above smart system is best utilized while searching for a book
or while issuing or returning a book:
9. Bitscrape Library Software
BitsLIB
• When a patron needs to get a book issued, he can get it done without any
manual intervention. He walks to the issue kiosk, flashes his smart card and the
system automatically opens his login account page.

• He then places the selected books, one by one on the RFID scanner.

• The computer records all these data against his name.

• When a patron wants to return books, he simply places the books in the book
drop counter and the books automatically are adjusted for return against the
patron’s name.

• Such a system is very useful for searching - any patron is able to search for a
book from any networked computer. He/she is also able to get all information
regarding how many copies of a book are presently available and when the
book will be again available for circulation.

Production WorkStation

The main function of the production workstation is to write information into the
electronic bookmark. When writing information, the “local conventions” are
followed – the local convention being the specific requirement and convention
as existing in the specific library. After, this function is performed; a book can be
shelved and cataloged.

Upon implementation of the Production Workstation, it will reside in the

administrative section of the library.

Counter Workstation

The Counter Workstation comprises of three parts: antenna, reader and the
interfacing software program. This workstation performs all services for processing
the borrowing and returning of books. It can be integrated with existing
circulation counter computer facilities for undertaking related services.

Library Management System Interfaced with RFID & Smart Card

 3
Self Check In/Out

The Self Check In/Out machine allows users to borrow and return books without
the assistance of the library staff. The reader synchronizes information from the
Patron’s Smart Card and the RFID Book Mark and passes the information to the
Library Management System. When a book is issued, the security parameter in
the RFID tag “modified” so that the book can pass through the EAS gate.

Book Drop

The Book Drop allows users to return books without assistance of the library staff.
With in-built single operational step and a human operational interface, readers
can easily use it on their own. The machine may be programmed for printed
receipts with the return of books, affording users greater peace of mind.

EAS Gate

Conforms to ISO 15693 (must meet with International ISO Association standards)
single channel book safety system. When an infrared ray senses personnel
walking past, and the detector doors detect the electronic bookmark or safety
code irregularities, or the detector detects the electronic bookmark, the main
server confirms and produces a warning sound and a warning lamp flashes;
library staff remind the reader to return to the library and complete the borrowing
procedure.

Inventory Control Workstation

The inventory data is captured through a hand-held device data is sent

instantaneously to a server over the Internet/intranet. The servers can, then,
instantaneously calculate the inventory data, compare with the data in the
system and report anomaly, if any to the library staff.

RFID Tag

These tags are attached to each book for its identification in all transactions.

Shelf for “Preserved Books”

This counter may be designed for Precious Books which the library possesses. The
reader is attached to the shelves and can constantly notify the system and the
staff about removal of these books from the shelf. Staff can check for improperly
placed books through the system, and only have to place the books back in
their correct shelf location according to system indicators.

Intelligent Periodicals Shelf

Intelligent periodical shelf management system. Through the dynamic control

system, the reader can check in advance online position and loan status of
periodicals. Staff can check for improperly placed periodicals through the
system, and only have to place the periodicals back in their correct shelf
location according to the system indicators.

Library Management System Interfaced with RFID & Smart Card

 4

RFID TECHNOLOGY (A BRIEF THE ADVANTAGES OF RFID-BASED BITSLIB

NOTE)
• High reliability
Radio Frequency Identification
(RFID) is an Identification 1. RFID based library management system like BitsLIB is that the system encodes
technology used for contact less
way of automatic data collection the circulation status on the RFID tag. This is done by designating a bit as the
where an RFID Reader reads "theft"(EAS) bit and turning it off at time of charge and on at time of discharge. If
information in a tag. the material that has not been properly charged is taken past the exit sensors, an
immediate alarm is triggered.
With the growing applications of
RFID Supply Chain Management, 2. Automatic issue and return of books are possible with minimal human
Material Handling, Warehouse
intervention.
Management, Access Control,
Library Management, etc. the
technology is playing an • High-speed inventorying
increasingly important role in
various decision support systems
to enable large corporates and
A unique advantage of RFID based systems is their ability to scan books on the
educational institution make an shelves without tipping them out or removing them. A hand-held inventory
inroad into the RFID arena. reader can be moved rapidly across a shelf of books to read all of the unique
identification information. Using wireless technology, it is possible not only to
RFID technology can be regarded update the inventory, but also to identify items which are out of proper order.
as the next evolutionary step in the
automatic identification technology.
It integrates the digital world with
the physical world by seamlessly
connecting the objects of the
physical world.

BitsLIB is a browser based

customized library management
system developed in Microsoft .Net
framework. The back-end database
is the SQL Server.

BitsLIB has modules catering to the

specific needs of the library and the
users of the library. BitsLib
supports all functions including,
Cataloging, Circulation, Acquisition,
Serial Control, Opac (Online Public
Access Catalog), Administration,
Inventory Management, Cataloging
of Non-printed Materials, etc. The
system is scalable – more modules
as per future requirements can be
added to the system

Library Management System Interfaced with RFID & Smart Card

 5
MODULES OF BitsLIB

• Acquisition (not Planned during the First Phase)

Procurement system is handled by this module. This module is linked to the

budget and hence required changes are reflected in the budget when a
transaction is done.

• Cataloging (with RFID interface)

Full featured catalog module can create a catalogue of books, CDs, maps,
drawings and all similar collections using this module.

• Circulation (with RFID & Smart Card interface)

Circulation module deals with issue and return of materials from the Library.
This module is interfaced with the RFID tag and smart card, and hence, the
issue and return of material is handled automatically without human
intervention. Issue of member cards and online transactions such as realizing
fines, membership fees, etc. is also possible.

• OPAC

A separate access program designed specifically for the patrons of the

library to search books, journals, articles and other resources on different
search criteria like Title, Author, Subject, Publisher, Keywords, Popularity,
Accession Number, Call Number, etc. Online search with Boolean operators
is also possible.

The system will also allow the users to perform Online Reservation of library
materials.

• Serials (with RFID interface) (Not Being Implemented in the First Phase)

The journals or the periodicals are the most difficult media for handling for a
library. Since the journals do not have any specific periodicity and have
many issues like the change of frequency, change of name, non receipt of
issues and many more.

• Patrons

Full featured User management module can create, edit, delete and assign
rights user wise.

• Reports

Wide variety of customized reports can be generated covering the entire

functionalities of the library - History reports, Daily issue/return reports,
overdue report, author-wise report, etc.

• Administration & House Keeping

Stock taking, Rights assigning, Book status generation etc.

Library Management System Interfaced with RFID & Smart Card