The latest news about Kerala University Library choosing RFID technology to allow students to use an RFID-based library card, self-checkout stations, RFID security gates, etc. is worth appreciating, as more and more Indian educational institutions automate library operations and library management, bringing more automation, transparency, and ease of use.
RFID is wireless technology that includes RFID tags, cards, wristbands, and RFID readers, antennas, and a software system to generate RFID readings and track and trace. As an AIDC technology, it ensures automatic identification and data capture where RFID labels are used to tag books, journals, manuscripts, etc., and RFID cards are issued to patrons for a seamless library experience.
Let’s explore in detail how RFID technology helps ensure seamless library operations in India, especially at Kerala University, which is implementing an RFID technology-based solution at its library.
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Understanding RFID Technology in Libraries
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a wireless technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify and capture data from tagged objects. An RFID ecosystem typically consists of:
1.RFID Tags/Labels for library: Attached to books, journals, and manuscripts for unique identification.
2. RFID Cards/Wristbands: Issued to students or patrons for authentication and access.
3. RFID Readers & Antennas: Devices installed at entry/exit points or circulation counters to capture RFID signals.
4. RFID deposit box for anytime book deposits. Just scan your RFID card and drop the issued books and journals.
5. Library Management Software (LMS) – Integrated software that processes RFID data, enabling seamless operations.
As part of Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technology, RFID eliminates manual intervention, reduces human error, and provides real-time tracking of library assets.
Kerala University (KU) RFID Project: A Step Toward Smart Libraries
The introduction of RFID-enabled library management solution at Kerala University Library marks a transformative step in Indian academic infrastructure. With a collection of 3.6 lacs titles, including rare manuscripts, research journals, and extensive academic resources, and books, managing KU library has always been a challenge. By piloting this RFID solution for library operations, the university can:
1. Reduce operational bottlenecks.
2. Ensure faster and error-free circulation of materials.
3. Provide students with a modern, user-friendly system.
4. Strengthen security for rare and valuable resources.
5. Streamline book issuance and deposits.
If successful, this pilot project can serve as a model for other Indian universities and public libraries, accelerating the adoption of RFID-enabled smart libraries across the country.
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Benefits of RFID in Library Operations
RFID technology in library operations is not new. Various global libraries benefit from RFID technology, and Indian institutions such as IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, BHU, and Allahabad University are among them.
These benefits include, but are not limited to:
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1.Faster Check-in/Check-out
Students can issue or return books simply by tapping RFID cards or placing books near a reader. This significantly reduces queues at circulation desks.
2. Enhanced Security
RFID gates at library exits prevent unauthorized removal of books, as tagged items trigger alerts if not properly checked out.
3. Self-checkout with RFID
With RFID labels on books and journals and RFID cards for patrons, it is easier to self-checkout books through a dedicated self-checkout platform which also contains an RFID reader and a display.
4. Efficient Inventory Management
Library staff can scan shelves with handheld RFID readers to quickly identify misplaced or missing books, saving hours of manual stock verification.
5. Seamless Patron Experience
RFID cards enable contactless access, making the library experience more convenient for students and faculty.
6. Data-Driven Insights
Integration with LMS allows administrators to track borrowing patterns, peak usage times, and popular titles, helping optimize library resources.
Ruddersoft is a leading RFID solution provider in India, offering RFID-based customized solutions for library management, access control, and security. They have a dedicated RFID solution development team, and as a Zebra and TSC partner for RFID supplies, they offer premium RFID and barcoding supplies at industry-best prices.
They also offer consultation on RFID technology-based automation as required by business owners in retail, warehousing, supply chain, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, etc.
The Road Ahead for Indian Libraries
While traditional barcode-based systems still dominate in India, the shift to RFID is inevitable as institutions strive for greater efficiency. Challenges such as the cost of implementation and staff training remain, but the long-term benefits outweigh initial investments. Universities like Kerala University taking the lead will encourage smaller institutions to follow suit.
Previously, as we’ve written, the Allahabad University central library and the IIT Delhi library have implemented RFID technology and are benefiting from technology-based automation in day-to-day library operations.
RFID technology is gradually replacing barcodes in Indian libraries, and with the help of RFID labels, it is now easier to track, trace, and manage a huge collection of books, rare journals and manuscripts, CDs, disks, etc.
At EnCstore.com, we are a leading supplier of all kinds of RFID labels suitable for books and journals, RFID cards for student IDs, RFID library cards, UHF, MIFARE, and NFC cards for students, and access control and security, as well as various RFID scanners, handheld and fixed scanners, RFID antennas, etc.
We are a reliable partner to many of our clients in India, offering timely delivery and industry-best prices for RFID and barcoding supplies.
If you have a similar project in mind, get in touch with our RFID experts, and we’ll surely help you out with the necessary RFID consultation on library management using RFID, QR Code, and BLE technologies.
To conclude, the latest news about Kerala University Library starting a pilot program to allow students to use an RFID-based library card is worth appreciating, as more and more Indian educational institutions automate library operations and management. Such initiatives bring more automation, transparency, and ease of use, aligning with global best practices in library services.
RFID technology is reshaping how libraries operate by making them faster, smarter, and more secure. Kerala University’s pilot program is a commendable move toward embracing digital transformation in education.
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