The central student library at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India is over a century old, first established in 1917 and shifted to the new building named after Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Vadodara (present day Gujarat State). In 1941. The grand library houses over 1.6 million books, 13,795 journals, thousands of periodicals, and 12,556 rare manuscripts, serving over 36,000 users.
This large-scale library operation is not easy and barely manageable with the existing staff count. An RFID-based library management system, set to be adopted by the central library will introduce RFID cards for users and patrons which shall simplify library operations, including book issuance and returns.
RFID Library Management System can work with the Existing Barcode System
The Central Library at BHU currently uses barcode labels on books, journals, and shelves. The new RFID-based library management system that offers RFID-based ID cards to users can be easily integrated with the existing library management system in place.
How does this work?
1.For issuing a book or manuscript, scan the barcode label on the selected item.
2. Then scan the RFID ID of the user.
3. Issue the book in the user’s name.
4. For returns, repeat the same.
This way, each issued/returned book, journal, or manuscript can be easily mapped with a unique user ID and ensure compliance with timely returns.
The library management system can also send timely alerts and notifications directly to the users’ smartphones, over email and SMS.
Choose RFID Labels for Tagging Library Assets
The Central Library at BHU can also adopt a full-fledged RFID library management system that includes RFID labelling of all the assets in the library, including books, journals, rare manuscripts, and CDs.
EnCstore is a leading supplier of RFID labels, hard tags, mount-on-metal tags, RFID readers, antennas, and printers. We also offer RFID-based gate systems and drop boxes for the library management system. If you’d like to procure RFID and Barcoding hardware in India or require consultation on RFID-based library management and how to get started with the solution, get in touch today!
RFID labels are a cost-effective solution for libraries where the labels can be used to tag all the books and journals and other assets in the library, creating a centralized database of all items.
RFID-tagged books can be easily scanned using an RFID handheld sled, say Zebra RFD40 SLED Reader or a Chainway C72, Chainway C5 RFID Readers. With the item finding mode, it is easier to locate a book on the shelf as well. Just enter the desired RFID tag no. from the software system and press the trigger on the RFID handheld reader to find the item at the premises.
Install RFID Gate System for Access Control and Theft Prevention
The use of RFID technology isn’t just limited to book issuance and returns. The technology is so efficient and accurate that one can implement a comprehensive access control system at library gates where each user is automatically checked in and checked out via RFID cards and the gate system, while also verifying if any book is being taken out without authorization. Some RFID antennas with higher gains can even catch RFID signals from books even when they are tucked on the sides.
The RFID-based gate system for access control is also utilized by supply chain businesses, healthcare, schools and colleges, hotels and restaurants, and more. The gate system works well with at least 2-3 antennas connected to one reader. The Impinj R700 or the Zebra FX9600 reader that comes with 4 antenna ports can be easily deployed for this purpose. An RFID antenna with circular polarization and a 6-dBi to 9-dBi antenna gain can offer better read range for the gate solution. Alarms and alerts can be set up as well.
RFID Drop Boxes Similar to IIT Delhi Library Can Be Used as Well
A successful example of RFID technology in library management can be experienced at IIT Delhi, the premier Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India. As the name suggests, the institution imbibes the word technology and has set up a comprehensive RFID-based library management system with Drop Boxes and everything.
Drop boxes placed outside the library gate allow patrons and users to deposit the books they got issued against the RFID Card, even when the library is closed for the day. It offers a simple and efficient way to streamline book deposits.
How do these Library Drop Boxes Work?
As the name suggests, the drop boxes outside the IIT Delhi library are equipped with RFID antennas and readers. An integrated reader can also be used for this purpose. This RFID system is integrated with the central RFID library management system that manages the book issuance and deposits for all its patrons.
When someone drops a book in the drop box, it scans the book and sends a request to update the record against the user to whom the book was previously issued.
How BHU Central Library Can Benefit from an RFID-Based Library Management System?
There are several benefits that a library management system based on RFID and Barcoding technology, often used in combination for a smooth transition from a barcode-based solution to an RFID-based solution, can offer to the BHU central library.
RFID initiative is a part of BHU’s broader vision under ‘One Card, One University’ and offers a streamlined access to students across several campuses and university services such as mess, swimming pool, and sports complex.
The RFID-based library Management System offers the following benefits to students and staff alike:
1. Streamlined daily library operations.
2. Greater visibility of books, journals, and rare manuscripts.
3. Easily find assets within the library and prevent theft through RFID labelling of books and journals and other assets.
4. Seamless access control and security.
5. Easy returns through RFID Drop Boxes placed outside the library premises.
6. Easy and recorded book issuance and returns.
7. Theft and loss prevention.
8. Streamlined library experience for students and teachers.
Finally, the implementation of RFID technology for library management at BHU is a great initiative that matches their efforts to streamline university services for the students. RFID cards for library users allow them to easily get books and journals from the library and easily return them without having to pay any fine as they would be alerted over email and SMS.
An RFID-based gate system can also be used to streamline access control and to prevent theft and loss of important and valuable manuscripts and journals from the library.
Additionally, RFID labels can be used to tag each asset in the library and drop boxes can be deployed to streamline book returns.
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