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Shelving of reading material after a library book drop can be exhausting for library staff. Automated libraries have eased the task through the configuration of FRID technology, which minimises the amount of time required to make circulation operations. The system utilises radio waves to transfer data between an electronic tag attached to a book or other object and a reader. It is an effective alternative to the bar code that uses small microchips in tags to transmit and hold detailed data to the tagged item. The adoption of RFID technology in libraries provides a solution that makes it easy to take inventory of items in library book drops in a matter of days instead of months. What’s more, patrons can check and return books collected at any time of the day. How RFID is Integrated in a Library Book DropThe system is also called an RFID self-check-in and is one of the many applications of RFID technology in libraries. It consists of an LSA3 Antenna, MedioP101 Ethernet reader, RFID-enabled lock for a book-drop slit and a receiving cart that can accommodate up to 500 books. An RFID enabled lock is also included for member authorisation and verification of return transactions. During installation, an IP address is assigned to the reader and connects it to the LSA3 antenna. BenefitsIt reads the RFID tags as the patron drops the books thus, eliminating the labour-intensive steps of checking the books. It then verifies the books automatically, reactivates the security function and takes them off the library account. Many libraries are installing a conveyor sorting system to make it easy for patrons to shelve the books returned through the library book drop system. As a result, patrons save time and focus on more value-added services. The system also allows high-speed inventorying as the RFID technology scans the books on the shelves without removing them from the library book drop spot. |
