Library Automation System
 
Application of RF Smart Labels
General Overview
Benefits of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology In Libraries
The radio frequency identification (RFID)solution offered by CHITALE DIGITALS and X-ident is based on smart labels. The RFID solution has an open architecture allowing it to be implemented with most library automation systems. Because of this open architecture any library, regardless of their current automation system, can benefit from CHITALE DIGITALS/ X-ident systems.
What is Radio Frequency
Identification?Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems are rapidly replacing competing technologies in many applications. A typical RFID system consists of the following components:
1
RFID Tag-RFID tags are paper thin, writable and are applied to the inside cover of each item. RFID tags can be covered with paper, adhesive labels, property stickers, etc
2
Tagging & Verification Station- a central workstation for inserting RFID tags and verifying their readiness.
3
Book Return- Items are automatically checked-in and the catalog updated as patrons return items.
4
Sorting Station-Items are manually or automatically sorted by location and/or sub-location for easy shelving.
5
Stock management Reader-Quickly & easily take inventory or conduct a "needle in a haystack" search for missing books with a portable storage and wand-style reader.
6
Borrowing Station - Increase your library's circulation with a patron self-checkout station, while reducing waiting liners and staffing levels.
7
Theft Detection Gates-Protect your collection with EAS Theft Detection Gates. The VTL RFID solution integrates security features with the writable RFID tag; no additional materials are needed.
8
Re-Shelving Assistant - RFID provides electronic assistance for staff tasked with Re-Shelving duties.
9
System Administration - CHITALE DIGITALS provides systems administration software to manage the complete RFID workflow.
 
The RFID system uses smart labels placed in books, and various antennas to identify and manage your library's collection. The smart labeling the book can be read and written to without contact or line of site. You simply install the smart labels in your collection and fast, accurate identification of your materials will be handled by your current library automation system. Specific smart label reading / writing station using a smart antenna are implemented at various key administrative process points within your library.
Advantages of RFID over Barcode Systems
RFID applications enhance productivity and efficiency in libraries worldwide, Significant advantage of an RFID system include;
1.
The non-contact, non-line-of-sight nature of the technology. Tags can be read through a variety of substances and do not have to be oriented in any particular direction. This technology results in less handling and faster throughput.
2.
More than on RFID tag can be read at one time. Therefore, it is possible to scan multiple volumes simultaneously, when checking in or taking inventory.
3.
RFID has become indispensable for a wide range of automated data collection, identification and management application that would not be possible otherwise, For your library this means using one technology source for the identification and management of your collection, as well as for theft deterrence.
4.
The read/ write capability of a RFID system provides the ability to edit data, essential to interactive application.
CHITALE DIGITALS / X-ident Solution for Library Automation System
 
Benefits
1
 Over many years of research within the context of a library.
2
 Utilizes a single technology for circulation management and theft deterrence.
3
Significant research and development investment has been made and continues to be made to incorporate new applications for RFID technology in the library. Most recently these include tag design and shelf management systems.
4
The investment in tags is by far the most significant cost of an RFID library management solution. CHITALE DIGITALS offers the best capability to meet the required budget due to the extensive label manufacturing capacities of X-ident.
  Road Map for Implementing RFID Technology Solutions in your Library
1
 Prepare building for installation of Self-Return Book Drop.
2.
Installation of Self-Return Book Drop.
3.
Installation of Security Gates.
4
 Installation of RFID antennas at circulation desk(s).
5
 Setup of technical services area for implementation of FRID
6.
 Acquire smart labels and affix them to books.
7.
 Program tags at technical services area.
8.
 Installation of CHITALE DIGITALS Self-checkout workstation.
9.
Train library staff.
10
 Have a pilot with one department to understand the full blown system before full deployment.
  Collection Management through Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology.
 
As your library's collection grows, you may find that controlling it has become more and more cumbersome. RFID technology can help you.
1.
 Tag and verify item information.
2.
 Manage the books on the shelf.
3.
 Keep an accurate inventory of your collection.
4.
 Deter theft of your collection.
   
  Tagging and Verification.
   
   
 
Entering of data of the smart label is made easy with the tagging and verification station. Paper-thin X-ident smart labels are placed into new books at this station in the designated area of your library. If there is an existing barcode label, this is scanned and the scanned information is written to the smart label. Alternatively, data can be keyed in from a PC connected to the tagging station.
  Installation and Operation of Theft Deterrent Gates
 
In the past, theft deterrence has been implemented through single bit magnetic and electromagnetic tags. The new C220 X-ident Smart Labels have EAS capability built into the smart labels itself.

X-ident Theft Deterrent Gates are secured to the floor at each entry and exit point in the library. Smart labels attached to books are detected between the pedestals from 150mm above the floor, to almost 2 meter high. It is recommended that pedestals be positioned between 800mm and 950mm apart.

At the time a book is checked out through either regular circulation methods or through the patron-self checkout station, the smart label's theft system is deactivated. If this process does not occur, an alarm will sound and the gate's lights will flash as the patron passes through with the book.

Theft deterrence is an integral feature of the chip within the smart label. It is stand-alone technology that operates independently of the library database. This means the alarm will sound the instant a book not checked out properly passes through the gates. As there is no delay to reference the database.