RFID Technology : A Revolution in Library Management

Abstract

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is proven to be a promising alternative in relieving the library staff from time-consuming routines. RFID is an innovative automated library system for automatic identification and tracking of library material. An automated library with the support of RFID technology would be a “Booksmart Library” and a “self service station” that insists least intervention by library personnel. RFID technology is helpful in taking inventory, finding missing items and identifying misfiled items. Tags or transponders, the vital components of RFID, are the electronic chips consisting of an integrated circuit and antenna coil that communicate with a reader by means of a radio frequency signal. Since RFID does not require ‘line-of-sight’ between the transponder and the reader, it surmounts the limitations of other automatic identification devices, such as bar coding. Smart labels/tags are designed for lasting to lifetime of the item they identify and also perform the EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) function to detect the thefts.