Implementation Of Rfid In Libraries

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Table of Contents

Introduction:

The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology by means of which data is stored and retrieved remotely with the use of RFID tags. These tags are attached to products due to their miniature size. However their size does not undermine their immense capability in any manner. In terms of the usage of RFID in library collections, the technology enables the protection of the collection with an increase in the speed and accuracy of the circulation as well as shelving functions. This has become popular in libraries due to increased efficiency in the management of the books and prevention of theft of resources from these collections (Albrecht, 2002; Anon., n.d.).

These tags work on the basis of electromagnetic transmissions which are sent from the chips stored in the tags and these signals are read by a RFID detector or reader which converts the signals to readable information. Each chip is provided with a unique identification number which can be programmed into being in active or passive state depending on the requirements of the implementation. Such functionalities help the customers to browse through the long list of books without having to physically check them out individually and subsequently the checkout process of the selected books becomes relatively convenient. This not only eliminates excessive manual input and labor but also increases productivity by ensuring complete management of data related to the respective book item. However the implementation of RFID in libraries has its pros and cons (Anon., 2003).

Advantages of RFID in Libraries:

RFID aims to provide benefits to the library in three main domains, viz. circulation of books, processing of the books (check out / return) and management of inventory. The benefits arising out of the implementation of RFID are as follows:

Elimination / Reduction of Workplace Injuries:

The physical activity involved in the management of books inclusive of browsing through vast collections leads to the development of pain in various extremities. Constant bending for marking and reading bar codes mentioned on the books as well as keeping the body in a particular angle for prolonged times have resulted in workforce injuries which have incurred millions of dollars worth of cost that have been borne by the libraries. By implementing RFID, a significant reduction would be noticed in manual efforts. Moreover the accuracy of the data management process would increase manifold (Schneider, 2003).

Facilitation of the Self Check Process:

RFID aims to facilitate self check possibilities by allowing users to scan the books with the help of a scanner. Unlike the bar code reader, the book does not have to be positioned at a particular angle and this acts as the most relieving feature of the RFID tags. The books need only to be moved within the range of the RFID reader’s spectrum following which the data is recorded in the system. This eliminates the chance for the occurrence for serious injuries and also makes check out facility a more private experience by removing the need for the provision of assistance to the customer (Schneider, 2003).

Presence of Streamlined Inventory Management:

Traditionally the books need to be managed with extreme caution in the case of the usage of bar codes as they need to be retrieved and stored in accordance with a predefined sequence. This leads to a lot of money being invested on labor for ensuring proper management of the inventory. But the usage of RFID tags in inventory management ensures that the required data is provided to the customer without having the need to physically access or move the books from their respective position (Schneider, 2003).

Presence of Streamlined In-Processing:

RFID can also be used to update the system so as to incorporate new additions to the collection and new inventory acquisition. With the presence of RFID tags, only the system needs to be updated whereas in the bar code system, each book would have to be aligned with the existing sequence and then they would have to be adjusted with the existing inventory (Schneider, 2003).

Disadvantages of RFID in Libraries:

Despite the benefits provided by the implementation of the RFID technology, there are several concerns associated with it which have given rise to skepticism regarding its widespread acceptance as a viable library management tool.

RFID tags for library usage are Expensive:

The RFID which need to be used for library are more expensive than conventional tags for general products. The reason behind higher costs is that the library tags need to be reused multiple times to last the life of the book. Hence their durability needs to be enhanced by means of which the stability of the inventory management system may be maintained for longer durations. However the cost factor is not a significant concern in comparison to the relative benefits associated with RFID (Schneider, 2003).

Additional information being stored on the RFID tags:

The RFID tags are just the means to provide a convenient solution to the bar code system that has been time tested and proven to be an effective sequential inventory management tool. But it has been found that the names of the patrons are also being stored on the tags which give rise to significant security risk. The libraries are accessible by the public and with the extent of technical hacking possibilities; it would not be difficult to extract crucial data about the patrons from the tags. Hence the need to develop best practices for the libraries is still a task that needs a satisfactory accomplishment in order to implement the RFID system successfully (Schneider, 2003).

Lack of Expertise with RFID Technology:

The person / admin handling the RFID system in the library is just another worker who has gained experience in managing the library functions but there is a complete lack of adequate understanding about the security of the library’s digital database. Most libraries also do not hold adequate budget by means of which good technicians may be recruited for managing the security of the database. Hence a significant risk is present with respect to the implementation of the RFID as the security management for the required database would not be up to the mark (Schneider, 2003).

Narrow Timeframe for Upgrade of Technology:

The most prominent concern associated with RFID is synonymous with the current scenario of technological advancements. The presence of cheaper, faster and better functional technologies within very short time durations makes the implementation of the RFID ineffective to some degree. In keeping with the cost of implementation of the technology, the presence of frequent upgradation proves to be a major disadvantage in the context of the library (Schneider, 2003).

Exposure to Electromagnetic Energy - A possible Cause for long term Damage:

The libraries are social places where there is no restriction in terms of access. This means that the place is visited by young and elderly alike. The RFID detectors emit strong electromagnetic energy in order to read the data stored in the RFID tags. But the major disadvantage is that prolonged exposure to these energy levels is expected to cause long term risk to the health of the people (Anon., 2003).

Conclusion:

Libraries possess the best intentions with respect to the implementation of RFID. Even though the current best practice may not be fully in support of this technology, particularly in the security domain, there is a possibility for the practice models being changed to suit the new scenario. In terms of the cost of implementation of the technology, the subsequent decrease in overheads and input cost would eventually bring about huge savings in the long run. In the context of the frequently changing technology, the issue can be resolved by streamlining the specification of the RFID system to suit the needs of the respective libraries. Despite the causes of concerns which exist for this system, the benefits provide a significant and measureable advantage over the existing bar code system meant for managing inventory in the library. Since there is a possibility of resolving the issues highlighted as disadvantages of the system, I believe that installing RFID chips / tags in books would prove to be a major inventory management and tracking tool.