RFID Library Management Solution      : RFIT LMS Pro

RFID is a technology that is sparking interest in the library community because of its applications that promise to increase efficiency, productivity and enhance user satisfaction.

Current library management systems use barcode technology and security strips. Using barcodes, a library management system can keep records of lending, borrowing and shelving status of items such as books, audio or video tapes, CDs, DVDs, etc. Security strips on library items tag their movements.

But barcodes and security strips (electronic article surveillance or EAS) have their limitations. They are slow to read and are prone to sabotaging by thieves. All these lead to irreparable loss to a library and its valuable inventory stock. This is where RFID technology can come to the aid of library managers and users.

RFID technology is recommended for library automation. RFID technology is not just there to tags books and other library assets; it will provide a comprehensive route for enhancing all library services and upgrade operations for everyone concerned with the library.

During a day, library managers have to supervise many activities within their libraries. These activities have to be performed smoothly and simultaneously for the benefit of all persons concerned.

Some of the important functions in a library are:
·    check-in/check-out of items
·    Shelve items
·    Prevent thefts
·    Check inventory

These tags provide benefits of electronic article surveillance (EAS) as well as barcodes.
In each and every activity within a library, RFID technology will provide a greater amount of efficiency and error free functioning. It will ensure that there is:

·    Quick check-in/check-out of items for convenience of members
·    Quick and correct shelving of items
·    Complete prevention of thefts
·    Quick inventory check
·    Take only 10% or less time as compared to conventional systems
·    Misplaced books and other materials can be found easily – the reader can hone-in of misplaced or wrongly shelved items quickly
·    Find cataloguing errors and replace incorrect spine labels
·    RFID tags are safe for magnetic media such as CDs, DVDs, etc.
·    Less manual handling of items hence better preservation
·    RFID ‘smart’ membership cards can give members: access control in certain areas, make payment (fines or fees) easy, lets them use fee-based library facilities such as the photocopier, internet, etc.
·    Staff has more time from routine chores and can therefore provide better service to patrons
·    Staff schedules can be made flexible
·    Tags last longer than barcodes as reading is contact-less