Version 0.8 21/10/2004 Page 26 of 44
The tracking of library assets and their loan processing is a very
time-consuming process. Traditional bar coding systems help to
improve the process somewhat.
However, only RFID technology can offer various enhanced features:
Efficient processing – As each rentable library item contains an embedded RFID tag, its
availability can be tracked much more efficiently than with manual updating. Library items
can be checked in or out much faster than with the outdated manual processing. In fact,
with RFID, processing of returned items no longer requires human intervention. An item
going down the return slot would be read by an RFID reader, which then transmits
updated information to the library system to indicate that the item has been checked-in,
without requiring library staff to manually scan each returned item. This allows libraries to
offer certain facilities around-the-clock, without incurring high costs.
Security – If a tagged library item has not been checked out, any attempt to remove it
from the library premises will be detected via the RFID antenna at the entrance gate.
Inventory management – Book inventory processes that previously took weeks or
months to execute can now be shortened to mere hours using RFID tagging. Wearing or
carrying a portable RFID terminal, a librarian only needs to walk through a corridor of book
shelves to check the status of the books available. The RFID reading device reads item
information from the books’ IC chips and then automatically interfaces with the library
inventory software system to update to databases.
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