in Libraries RFID Akhtar Hussain Research Scholar, Department of Libraty & Information Science. Afigarh MUslim University, A/igarh, Uttar Pradesh

Transcription

1 iasuc BuJretin 52 (1) pa9"56 RFID in Libraries Akhtar Hussain Research Scholar, Department of Libraty & Information Science. Afigarh MUslim University, A/igarh, Uttar Pradesh Radio Frequency.IDentification (RF/D) systems have been in (lse In libraries for five years for book identification. ior self cbeckout. and for sortiru; and conveying of library books and AV materials Ttiese applications can lead 10 significant savings in labour costs. enhance customer service, and lower book theft and can provide a constant record update of media collections. in this paper!ho components,md te'chnical fealures of a modern Rr::ID library system are desired to provide a guideline for tile evaluation of different system Iharesre still many issues that must be addressed before RFID hits the big time like bar codes have some of those issues include: new technology for etticiency in operations. looking back at bar codes, electromagnetic security systems, J r infrastructure to handle large amounts of data etc. finally discusses the advc!lyftlges and disadvantages of RFJO system in libraries ane! rhis technology flas been tmrococe«in few Indian libraries too. Keywords: RFJD,.R~"JdloFrequency Identification, DSRC, Dedicated Short Range Communication, Wireless Device, Radio Tracking 1, Introduction RFID systems were developed about 30 years ago and were"originally niche products. They were used for "radio.tracking" of wild and aqricultural animals and evolved later into a technology, which is used in many industrial applications today. For instance, all. car keys of major car manufactures contain El little transponder (Sender) which sends a radio signal to the car steering wheel lock and to the car's electronics, resulting in a very efficient theft control. Also RFID systems are used for building access control, e.g. with "smart cards" for identification at doors. Another popular application is "Easy-Pass" used on tall motorways and bridges. Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) systems have been in use in libraries for five years for book identification, for self checkout, and for sorting and conveying of library books and AV materials. These applications can lead to sigpificant savings in labour costs, enhance customer service, and lower book Iheft and can provide a constant record update of media collections. RFID is a combination of radio-frequency based technology and microchip technology. The information contained on microchips in the tags affixed to library materials is read using radio frequency technology regardless of item orientation or alignment (Le., the technology does not require line "of-sight or a fixed plane to read tags as do traditional theft detection systems). The corridors at the library existts) can be as wide as four feet because the tags can be read at a distance of up to two feet by each of two parallel exit sensors. 2. What is RFID? RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a wireless data collection technology that uses!/o} 52 Ne 1!v1d('h 20{)7

2 50 HUSSAIN etectroruc tags for storing data. Like bar codes (those boxes of vertical bars and spaces that represent numbers and other symbols), they are used to identiiyitems. Unlike bar codes, which must be brought close to the scanner for reading, RFID tags are read when they are within the proximity of a transmitted radio signal, RFID is sometimes called dedicated short range communication (DSRC), According to the Harrod's Librarian's Glossary and Reference Boo~ "RFID an alternative to the bar code that uses tiny microchips in tags to hold and transmit detailed data about Ihe item tagged". Dictionary for Library & Information Science' defines RFID as "the use of microchips to tag library materials and library card. enabling patrons to check out items by walking through a self-service station equipped with an antenna that emits low frequency radio waves", In other word we can say that RFID is a technology that incorporates the use of elecromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency portion to uniquely identify an object. 3. The RFID Systems RFID systems consist of ttue e components in two combinations; a transceiver (transmitterireceiver) and antenna are usually combined as an RFID reader. A transponder (transmitter/responder) and antenna are combined to make an RFID tag. An RFID tag is read when the reader emits a radio signal that activates the transponder, which sends data back to transceiver. Reader Antenna RFID TAG (magnified) Fig. 1 : RFID System RFID Reader 3.1 RF/D Tags The heart of the system is the AFID tag which can be fixed inside a book's back cover directly onto CDs and Videos, This tag is equipped with a programmable chip and an antenna. Each paper-thin tag contains an engraved antenna and microchip with a capacity of at least 64 bits, There are three types of tags: "read only", "WORM," and "read/write." Tags are "read only" if the identification is encoded at the time of manufacture and not rewritable. It can be used for EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) or anti-theft devices, "WORM" (Write-Once- Read-Many)" tags are programmed by the using organization. They can be used a lasiic Bulletin

3 51 RHD IN LIBRARIES more memory and can be used as data loggers. For, example, in manujrccturing line, data can be updated at every:step of production. retrospective conversion of a collection. ",Read/V'~rite tags," which are chosen by most libraries, users have accessjo read and write into the tag's memojy.tags,have Decoder AC to DC Control Circuit Rower CbnVertor EEPROM (memory) 'filg,i~ :,ea1?i~hfl,sslv~rfichtag f3locl<qiagram.,'"..,',... '-,'.f:~ ::/') All 01 the tags ~~l.q for libraries are "Pcti9i9;ivp".,ta~1;r... N) to read, the tagscotn~sfrottl ).the reader; of exit sensor, rather than froro,;a bta,ttp'ry within the tag. "Active" Jags, WhJgh have their own power supply;' s'ub'stanhally larger and more,exp.~nsty.ethctn the tags used in library RFIQ, appticatlons. L:J;.}IN- ~re ;~i~.3 :fr~uency Frequency Band --- "',<,""c_ L</V A "",:,.,., '-. ''Ah:';l'::......,.","" ftegpepcy. ID systems (30 KHz to 500 KHz)baye short transmission ranges of gerer?ii{less than six feet High-frequency RF1Dsystem9 (850 MHz to 950 MHz and 2,4 GHz to 2.5 GHz) offer longer transmission ranges. In general. RFID systems are more expensive if. they operate on higher frequencies. Bands and Applications Characteristics Typical Applications Low kHz Short to medium read range Inexpensive low reading speed Access control Animal identification Inventory control Car immobiliser Intermediate MHz Short to medium read range potentially inexpensive medium reading speed Access control Smart cards High MHz GHz Long read range High reading speed Line of sight required Expensive Railroad car monitoring Too! collection systems ----Vo/ 52 No 1 l,,1arch 20(;7

4 52 HUSSAIN 3.2 RFID Readers 3.4 Server RFID readers or receivers are composed of a radio frequency module, a control unit and an antenna to interrogate electronic tags via radio frequency (RF) communication. The reader powers an antenna to generate an RF field. When a tag passes through the field, the information stored on the chip in the tag is decoded by the reader and sent to the server, which in turn, communicates with ttle automated library system when the RFID system is interfaced with it. The Server is the heart of some comprehensive RFID systems. It is the communications gateway among the various components. It receives the information from one or more of the readers and exchanges information with the circulation database. Its software includes the APls (Applications programming Interface) necessary to interface it.with.the automated library system. RFID exist gate readers at exists are two types. One type reads the information on the tags going by and communicates that information to a server. The server, after checking the circulation database, turns on an alarm if the material is not properly checked out. Another type relies on a "theft" byte in the tag that is turned on or off to show that the item has been charged or not, making it unnecessary to communicate with the circulation database. Readers in RFID library are used in the various ways i.e., conversion station, staff workstation at circulation, sett-checkout station, exist sensors, book-drop'reader.eorter and conveyor and hand-held reader. 3.3 Antenna The antenna uses radio frequency waves to transmit signal that activate the transponder. Antenna is the channel between the tag and the reader, which controls the system's data acquisitions and communication. The electromagnetic field produced by an antenna can be constantly present when multiple tags arc expected continually. Antennas can be built into a doorframe to receive tag data from person's things passing through the door. tsstic Buiietin 4. RFfD ISSUES 4.1 New Technology Operations for Efficiency in New technologies have always been of libraries, both for the potential of increasing the quality of service and for irr.proving efficiency of operations, At the present time when, libraries of all kind (public, research, special) are facing economical for cost savings in the operations and the management of material flows. 4.2 Looking Back at Bar Codes RFID is an Identification technology; it does the same job as bar codes but offers potentially a lot more. It can therefore fruitful to look back at bar code technology and learn its application in library operations. Bar codes is fundamental technology for library operations and flow managements, it provides the coupl1ng between the information system (the ILS, or Integrated Library System) and the physical flow of library material. In applications at circulation desk bar code technology has been proven to be robust reliable and efficient. In the effort to extend bar code technology to self service stations, which is one major direction for achievinq better efficiency in operations, the experiences have been less than satisfactory.

5 RFID IN LIBRARIES 4.3 Electromagnetic 5.1 Self-charging/Discharging Security Systems Bar codes cannot be the signal teed for anti-theft system so the usual combin,atlqn i9 to have a combination of bar codes 'for identification, and some electromaqnetic'(elvl) system must interact with the anti-theft system, so that items have the correct EM slate af~dr the circulation transacttons.v.exeneskec-out item must be deactivated. and r,eturnecl:i\ems activated. The signal source.tor.the apthfwtt system, Le. the magnetic strtpe, lab~i.,'.9rr99, there is a danger of. a technology trap: once.'..,.. 'N, the magnetic device is attached to the,.libraf item it should, ideally, not be possib!~;t9/it~h~ it away... V «C,.;:. \x ~ Interoperabillty chain ' "', through _".r : /, :L. :L. ';\) the supply. It can be tricky to set up ante~'n ld~': tags use reflected power ardxnoqvif\t.e)h~ re:11ecuonsto respond to re~9~ll~q.., However, just about any object~can ea degree reflection and.,nojse;' ', of 4.5 IT tntrestructurero amounts of data trandle large 5.2: Reliability...,.T~~~~aders are. highly reliable. Several v,eildors 6f RFi D. norarysysterns claim an?j~0~;tjgp;'r'er:9etqtcetectton rate using R~ID tags. Some RFID systems have an interface between the exit sensors and the circulation software to identify the items moving out of th~.!!iqrary.were,a library user to leave the libr9ry~9d ~9t be p~ughti.the library would at leastkllo~ w.nat.tla,:c1,beenstolen. If the user care! also has an BFID tag, the library will also be able to determine who removed the items without properly charging them,, Other RFID systems encode the circulatien status on the RF1Dtag, This is done by designating a bit as the "theft" bit and turning it off at time of charge and on at time of discharge. If the material that has not been properly charged is taken past the exit gate sensors, an immediate alarm is triggered. Another option is to use both the "theft" bit and the online Jntertace to an automated Hb(ary system, the first to signal an immediate alarm and the second to identify what has been taken out., Jq 4.6 Change ot work ptactfces In some supply chain or manufacturing instances, the RFID l.a9 might be updated with new lritormatlon as the object it's attached to work its way along the chain or assembly line. Changes in work flow and work habits could result. Advantages of RFID Systems There are the following RFID systems : The. use of RFlD reduces the amount of time requiredto perform circulation operations. This technology helps librarians eliminate valuable staff time spent scanning barcodes while checking out and checking in borrowed items. For the users, RFID speeds up the borrowing and return procedures, Library employees are released Ior more productive apdjn~t:lrestingduties. Staffs are relieved further yvhen readers are installec in book drops. ;"..... Since RFID tags<cbnjaimmuch more information.than..bar",gpqes" many IT infrastructures rnayhave be upgraded advantages 5.3 High-Speed Inventorying of A unique advantage of RFID systems is VOi. 52 No. 1 March 2(j{)7

6 HUSSAIN 54 their ability to scan books on the shelves without tipping them out or removing them. A hand-held inventory reader can be moved rapidly across a shelf of books to read all of the unique identification information.u~ing wireless technology, it is possible not only to update the inventory, but also to identify items, which are out of proper order. 5.4 Automated Materials Handling Another advantage of RFID technology is automated materials handling. This includes conveyor and sortinq systems that can move library materials and sort them by category into separate bins or qnto separate carts. This Significantly reduces the amount of staff time required to ready materials for re-shelving. 5.5 Long Life Tag RFID tags last longer than barcodes because the technology does not require lineof-sight. Most RFID vendors claim a minimum of 100,000 transactions before a tag may '. '1 need to be replaced..." 6. Disadvantages of RFID $ystems The following are the disadvantages of RFID systems : 6.1 High cost The major disadvantage or RFID technology is its cost. While the readers and gate sensors used to read the information are comparable in cost to the components of a typical EM or RF theft detection system, cost around $2,000 to $3,500 each; and the tags cost $.40 to $.75 each. 6.2 Accessibility to compromise It is possible.10 compromise an RFID system by wrapping the protected material in tssuc Bulletin two to three layers of ordinary household foil to block the radio siqnal. It is also possible to compromise an RFID system by placing two items against one another so that one tag overlays another. That may cancel out the signals. This requires knowledge of the technology and careful alignment 6.3 Chances of Removal of exposed tags RFID tags are typically affixed to the inside back cover and are exposed for removal. This means that there would be problems when users become more familiar with the role of the tags. In Indian libraries, it is a major challenge to keep the tags intact. 6.4 Exit,gate sensor (Reader) problems While the Short-range readers used for circuiation charge and discharge and inventorying appear to read the tags 100 percent of the time, the performance of the exit gate sensors is more problematic. They must read tags at up to twice the distance of the other readers. There is no library that has done a before and after inventory to determine the loss rate when RFID is used for security. 6.5 User Privacy Concerns Privacy concerns associated with itemlevel tagging is another significant barrier 10 library use of RFID tags. The problem with today's library RFID system is that the lags contain static information that can be relatively easily read by unauthorized tag readers. This allows for privacy issues described as "tracking" and "hot listing". Tracking refers to the ability to track the movements of a book (or person carrying the book) by "correlating multiple observations of the book's bar code" or RFID tag. Hot listing refers to the process of building a database

7 RFID IN LIBRARIES of books and their associated tag numbers (the hot list) and then using an unauthorized reader to determine who is checking out items in the hot list 6.6 Reader collision The signal from one reader can interfere with the signal from another where coverage overlaps. This is called reader collision. One way to avoid the problem is to use' a technique called time division multiple access, or TDMA. In simpte terms, the readers are instructed to read at different times, rather than both trying to read at the same time. This ensures that they don't interfere with each other. But 11 means any RFID tag in an area where two readers overlap will be read twice. 6.7 Tag collision Another problem readers have is reading a lot of chips in the same field. Tag dash occurs when more than one chip reflects back a signal at the same time, confusing the reader, Different vendors have developed different systems tor having the tags respond to the reader one at a time. Since they can be read in milliseconds, it appears that all the tags are being read simultaneously. 6.8 Lack of Standard The tags used by library RFID vendors are not compatible even when they conform to the same standards because the current standards only seek electronic compatibility between tags and readers. The pattern of encoding information and the software that processes the information differs from vendor to vendor, therefore, a change from one vendor's system to the other would require retagging all items or modifying the software RFIO of Indian Llbrartes/ Information Canters Today's libraries in adopting RFID system are the need to increase efficiency and reduce cost. Automation and self-service can help libraries of all size to achieve, their operations, and the flexibility of tagging all kinds of media easily, are important criteria in choosing an RFID system. The products ot six manufacturers of RFID systems are available in India through their business associates: Bibliotheca, checkpoint, ID systems, 3M, Edutech, X idenl technology GmbH represented by lntotek software and systems in India and TAGSYS the last represented by Tech Logic, Vernon, LlbsysIn Ihdia and VTLS. There are several other companies that provide products that work with RFID, rncluding user self - charging stations and materials handling equiprnents. library RFID technology has been introduced in a few Indian libraries. Edutech in India have done: Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (Chennai); Indian Institute of Management. Indore. Some other sites claimed by l.lbsys in India like University of Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir); Bank of Baroda, Mumbai; Indian Institute of Science, Banglore (only pilot project with 5000 books); Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (West Bengal); IGCAR, Kalpakkam near Chennai (Tamit Nadu) yet to go live. 8. Conclusion RF1D (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that incorporates the use of electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to uniquely identify an object, animal, or person. RFID systems Vo( 52 No, 1 A4/H"ch 20;)7

8 56 HUSSAIN consist of three components (1) RFID tags that are electronically programmed with unique information (2) readers or sensors to interrogate the tags and (3) a server or docking station on which the software that interfaces with the automated library system is loaded. This RFID technology may eventually replace the bar code and optical technology in library circulation systems. Tags are available in various shapes and sizes for use in a wide range 01 applications, with read! write capability for interactive application. The tact that high frequency radio waves can be used to track moving objects at a distance has raised concerns about privacy. There are still many issues that must be addressed before RFID hits the big time like bar codes have some of those issues include: new technology for efficiency in operations, looking back at bar codes, electromagnetic security systems, IT infrastructure to handle large amounts of data etc. RFID has advantages over bar code such as the ability to held more data, the ability to change the stored data as processing occurs, it does not require line-at-sight to transfer data and is very effective in harsh environments where bar code labels may not work. However, a lack of standardization, particularly in the commercial sector is currently delaying take up: References 1. 8'OSS (R W). RFID Technology for libraries, PLA tech notes (May ). http.r/ rfidtechnology. ntrn pubs/tecnnotes/ 2. KA8ACHINSKI (Jeft). An introduction to HFID. Biomedicatal Instrumentation & Technology.March/April; p ITM05.pdf 3. KERN (C).. Radio-frequency-idr:ntificalion for security and media circulation in libraries. Electronic Library. 22,4; p LlNDOUIST (Mats). G.RFID in librariesintroduction to the issues, paper presented at 69th IFLA General Conference and Council, Berlin, GermanY,1-9 August PRYTHERCH (Ray). "Harrod's librarian's glossary and reference book". England: Ashagate, "" REITZ (Joan M). "Dictionary for library and information science". Channai: Rain Tree, SHAHID (Syed Md). Use of RFID technology in libraries: a new approach to circulation, tracking, inventorying, and security of materials. library Philosophy and Practice. 8,1; Ilttp:// 10. httpllsearchworking.techtarget.com/sdefinition/ 0.,sid7 _gci805987,oo.htrnl 11. hup:/jwww.pernag.com!encyclopedia_term/ l=RFID&.I= asp testic Bulletin