Success of RFID Technology in Indian academic libraries - A study

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1 Success of RFID Technology in Indian academic libraries - A study L. Radha Alias Nagalakshmi Librarian, Thiagarajar college of Engineering, Madurai and Research scholar at SCSVMV University, Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu & Dr. Mayank Trivedi University librarian, M.S. University of Baroda and Research supervisor at SCSVMV University,Kachipuram, Tamilnadu ABSTRACT Radio frequency identification (RFID) is one of the new AIDC (Automatic Identification and Data capture) technologies. The technology acts as a base in automated data collection, identification and analysis systems worldwide. RFID has found its importance in a wide range of markets including livestock identification and Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) systems because of its capability to track moving objects. These automated wireless AIDC systems are effective in manufacturing environments where barcode labels could not survive. So RFID rapidly used by many places including supply chain management, hospital management, sports, postal, banking and also in library management. Here in this paper we are discussing how the RFID technology successes in Indian academic libraries, components of RFID for library management, RFID Vs. barcode, RFID benefits and issues and the vendors at Indian market for RFID technology. Keywords: RFID in Indian academic libraries, Implementation of RFID in library, components of RFID, RFID vendors at India, Benefits of RFID at library. INTRODUCTION As its name implies, the term RFID is generally used to describe any technology that uses radio signals to identify specific objects. Typically, an RFID system consists of an RF device that communicates with a tag, which is embedded with a single-chip processor and an antenna. The RFID reader can be fixed or portable, much like the good - old barcode scanners. RFID tags are capable of storing and transmitting information. They vary in design and capability, depending on the manufacturer and their intended use. There are two types of tags which major in use are Passive tags, high frequency (approximately 13 MHz) and low frequency (around 125 khz) systems typically have a read range of less than a meter. With HF and LF tag systems, the size of a tag has a significant impact on the read range. Some applications limit the read range to 15.2 to 20.3 cm. Some newer technologies (UHF systems) do have longer ranges of 6 to 8 m... Active tags, on the other hand, have a tiny battery for their power source, which results in an improved range of 30 m and better data handling. The reliability approaches 100%. The battery boost also allows for large memories (battery-backed SRAM as high as 128 KB), or additional sensory and data logging capabilities, such as temperature monitoring. This makes them suitable for longer-range applications such as asset locating. The battery and added circuitry make them more expensive than passive tags. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: To know the benefits and issues of RFID at academic libraries To know the success story of RFID tracking system in Indian academic libraries. To know the components required for implementing RFID technology in Libraries To find out the vendors available at India for RFID technology > RJSITM: Volume: 03, Number: 8, June-2014 Page 51

2 RFID IN INDIAN LIBRARIES: Library automation in India is started before years. When considering current state of our 350 Universities, Indian libraries are geared up for Automation today with support from Government, NKC &organizations like INFLIBNET, DELNET etc. we had more than 10%-15% of Indian Libraries are using ILS (Integrated Library Systems) efficiently today and hardly 20% of this is using library automation technology. Now automation is must for library activities. RFID is really useful for university library to share the information among them (IIL) through integrated library system. Many large university libraries have gone for RFID as this will allow efficient circulation of library items to large number of patrons visiting these libraries. Libraries should be promoted as an environment for serious learning (Information centers, facilities, ambience etc.) A mechanism to rank the libraries on basis of collection, services, use of technology Library Automation will also help in building a National Union Catalog similar to LoC (Library of Congress). ( 1 Pawar, Kuldeep P., and Sunanda G. Rodge (2012) ) BENEFITS OF RFID AT LIBRARIES: Best tracking system for library theft control Easy to find the misplaced books Fast and exact stock verification can be done using RFID Self check in / out can be done using RFID by the users Library staff can be used for other works instead for circulation Time consuming technology for both users and librarians RFID COMPONENTS FOR LIRBARY: ( 2 From Rapid radio) Drop box for return the books RFID reader for reading the data RFID tag for data capturing and distributing RFID middleware for embedding with library software Stock / Inventory wanda for shelf management and Stock verification RFID label printer (optional) RFID sorting conveyer RFID gate for theft detecting Server MAJOR VENDORS OF RFID SOLUTIONS AT INDIA ( 3 Ramesh. M. 2012) A list of some of the Major RFID vendors in India is given below 2cqr, Chennai 1 Pawar, Kuldeep P., and Sunanda G. Rodge. "It Application in Library-Rfid Technology." Referred from on 13/7/2013. PP Sourced from accessed on 5/9/ Ramesh, M. R. "Radio frequency Identification (RFID) Implementation for libraries." Indian Journal of Education and Information Management 1.10 (2012): > RJSITM: Volume: 03, Number: 8, June-2014 Page 52

3 3M Library Systems, New Delhi Bartronics India, Hyderabad Capgemini India, Chennai Ecole Solutions, Bangalore Edutech, Chennai Gemini Traze, Chennai Grandeur Technologies, Chennai GreenFuturz Software Solutions, Chennai HCL Infosystems, Noida IDCUBE Identification Systems, Noida I-Tek, Pune LibSys Corporation, Gurgaon Modular Technologies India, Chennai Netlink Information Systems, Gurgaon R.S. Barcodes, New Delhi Rapid Radio Solutions, Ahmadabad RFID Infotek, Mumbai Knowledge circle, Chennai Total IT Solutions, New Delhi TS Informatics, Delhi VTLS software, Noida RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: The data obtained in this research was based on the objective survey. Data collection techniques adopted by Online Questionnaire method to collect the primary data from the librarians. The survey tool used was survey monkey Data Analysis and Interpretations Table 1 State Wise break up of participated Institutions in this survey Andra 1 2% Assam 1 2% Bihar 2 5% Gujarat 6 15% J&K 1 2% Jharkhand 1 2% Karnataka 2 5% Kerala 1 2% Maharashtra 4 10% Meghalaya 1 2% MP 2 5% Orissa 1 2% Punjab 2 5% Tamilnadu 13 32% UP 3 7% Total sample size % o The implementation percentage of RFID technology is more in Tamilnadu state followed by Gujarat then Maharashtra. The above table shows that in Tamilnadu there were 13 institutions which have implemented RFID and follows by Gujarat with 6 Institutions, and Maharashtra with 4 Institutions, Karnataka and MP with 2 institutions, and all others are having 1 institution. Total participated in the survey were 41 Institutions from 15 states of India. > RJSITM: Volume: 03, Number: 8, June-2014 Page 53

4 Valid Table 2 -Types of Institutions: Type of Institutions Frequency Deemed University 3 Government / Aided institutions 17 Government / Aided University 14 Private / Self finance Institutions 7 Total 41 o From the above table, out of 41 institutions, 17 were from Government / Aided institutions and 14 from Government / aided university. And 3 were from Deemed universities, 7 institutions from private sectors. So it clearly shows that government uses RFID technology more than that of others. It may be because Government has more funds to go for new technology like RFID. The above data was given in the following diagram for more clarity. TABLE 3 RFID Implementation vs. Year Year in which RFID implemented No. of institutions implemented RFID Total 41 o The above table shows that 9 institutions have been implemented RFID by 2010, followed by 2008 then 2007 and so on. This clearly indicates that the idea of RFID starts in the year 2002 and from 2005 it got its momentum and went to peak in the year 2010 (9 institutions). In the year 2008, the number of institutions raised to 8 with a little fall in the year 2009 (5). It may be inferred that the idea of RFID starts at 2002 and got developed only after Table 4 Benefits of RFID Benefit of RFID Answer Options Response Count Improve efficiency 31 Improve productivity 5 Reduce operating cost 1 Reduce labor cost 4 answered question 41 > RJSITM: Volume: 03, Number: 8, June-2014 Page 54

5 o When there is a question of foremost benefit of RFID, 75.6% of librarians said that RFID implementation was improved the efficiency, 12.2% said that it improve the productivity of the library, 9.8% said it reduce the labor cost, and 2.4% accepted that it also reduced the operating cost of the library. It is clear that RFID technology is useful and beneficial. When the efficiency is improved, all the other factors will automatically improve. Table 5 Software s used for RFID Software used for RFID Vs no. of Institutions Libsys 14 VTLS-VIRTUA 5 NewGenLib 5 SOUL 1 LIBTraze 1 Alice 2 SLIM21 1 Inhouse ERP 3 KOHA 4 Autolib 4 i-tek management Suite 1 Total 41 o As per the data collected, 14 institutions were using Libsys and 5 institutions were using Virtua (VTLS), 4 Autolib, 4 NewGenlib, 4 using KOHA (OSS), 3 members were using their own in house software, 2 members were using Alice as software. o And i-tek management suite, SLIM21, LIBTRAZE and SOUL were using by only one institution. o From this survey it may be concluded that libsys seems to be one of the best software which can be easily interrogate with RFID solutions. TABLE 6 - Type of RFID labels and tags used What types of RFID labels / Tags are you using? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count Read only 9.8% 4 Read and write once 14.6% 6 Reusable read and writes 75.6% 31 answered question 41 o The analysis attempts to find out the types of tags used library. 75.6% i.e. 31 Institutions used reusable read and writes type of tag, 14.6% i.e. 6 institutions used read and write one and only 9.8% i.e. 4 Institutions used read only memory tag. Always reusable read and write tags are best for library management, so that additional data can be added to the tag at later stage or on expansion. > RJSITM: Volume: 03, Number: 8, June-2014 Page 55

6 Fig. 1 - Frequency read range of RFID Tag: RFID tag frequency vs Usage High Frequency (HF), 29 Ultra-High Low Frequency Very High Frequency (LF), 4 Frequency (UHF), (VHF), o According to the above table, 29 respondents out of 41 institutions having HF (high frequency) read range for RFID tag. It read about MHz nearly about 1 meter of read range. Other read range may not suitable for library, but still 6 institutions using UHF, 4 Institutions using LF, and 2 institutions using VHF. It may be because of the product constrains and demands. Usually the frequency and the read range depend upon the RFID manufactures and hardware. Table 7 Type of RFID Tag Type of tag used Answer Options Response Percent Response Count Active 43.9% 18 Passive 48.8% 20 Semi active 7.3% 3 Semi passive 0.0% 0 answered question 41 o Many libraries (20) were used passive tag, where as 18 used active tags. Semi active tags were used by 3 institutions and none preferred semi passive tags. Since no power inside the passive tag, most of the respondent may prefer passive tags because it reading range is high and the life is more in passive than the active tags. Fig. 2- Standards of RFID tag 40 Standards of RFID tag vs Usage 20 0 SIP NISO IEC o The above table and figure shows that 25 institutions were using the Standard Interchange Protocol is a proprietary standard for communication between library computer systems and selfservice circulation terminals from 3M technology.10 were using NISO (National Information standard organization) from ANSI, it has ISO standards for RFID communications as like ISO 18000, ISO etc 6 were using IEC (International Electro technical Commission) and it closely works with ISO and IEEE for standards > RJSITM: Volume: 03, Number: 8, June-2014 Page 56

7 Table 8 Recommendation of RFID by librarians Do you recommend the RFID to other libraries? Answer Options Response Count Highly recommended 16 Recommended 22 Not recommended 3 41 o 39% o of librarians were highly recommending the RFID technology, and 53.7% were recommended, so totally 92.7% were recommending this technology and remaining 7.3% were said it is not suitable for an academic libraries. Findings: The below were some of the findings compiled from the my survey Major issue is embedding the RFID in to our library system, as per this survey most the library software have the feature to embed with RFID. The average cost of Tags is around Rs. 15 per unit. Based on the frequency and capacity the rate may get change. HF (High frequency) tags are good for Library management system and most of the case Passive is in use. Materials like aluminum, iron should be removed. Should have Wood partition to avoid tag and reader collision Librarian should know about RFID components and the specifications clearly before installation. So he should study the current system completely before any new system installation. According to my study most of them getting the hardware of RFID from Malaysia, UK or from USA. So librarian should be careful while selecting the vendors of RFID and the components of RFID. Suggestions and recommendations: Librarians should select the proper vendor for this work, vendor who already been implemented RFID can do the implementation easily. So select the experienced person for this work. Check the compatibility of RFID with your current software Have a clear agreement with vendor on his part of task at implementation Decide the required data to be programmed into RFID Chips and insists on data ownership (independence with Library Software). Clean your database before starting. And Plan thoroughly, Convince and train your library staff for this new technology. Go for RFID only if you have very large transaction good to have it. Final call to be taken based on the necessity and affordability. It is better to install CCTV Cameras in addition to RFID Gates. During the rush it may help for additional surveillance. Before going for RFID implementation ask the vendor to demonstrate the inventory control system, if you are satisfied pls. go ahead. Proper fund allocation is very much important for RFID implementation > RJSITM: Volume: 03, Number: 8, June-2014 Page 57

8 Conclusion It is quite clear from the above study that RFID system may be a comprehensive system that addresses both the security and materials tracking needs of a library. RFID in the library is not a threat if best practices guidelines followed religiously, that it speeds up book borrowing and inventories and frees staff to do more user-service tasks. The technology saves money too and quickly gives a return on investment. It is important to educate library staff and library users about RFID technology before implementing a program. It may be good for librarians to watch developments in RFID until the cost of tags comes down to Rs. 20 or less, the figure which some librarians have determined is the key to their serious consideration of it. While library RFID systems have a great deal in common with one another, including the use of high frequency (13.56 MHz), passive, read-write tags, lack of a standard and compatibility of tags produced by different vendors is a major problem in implementation of RFID in libraries. The newer tags are capable of resolving many of the privacy problems of today's tags. Thus librarian should be aware of the technical specification of the hardware and the software of RFID before implementing. All new technology has advantage as well as disadvantage. Thus RFID too have both, but it is one of the good system to track the materials and for theft control at library. REFERENCES: 1. Boss, Richard W. RFID Technology for libraries. (2004) Available on /plapubs/technotes/rfidtechnology.cfm 2. Bansode, Sadanand Y., and Sanjay K. Desale. "Implementation of RFID technology in University of Pune Library." Program: electronic library and information systems 43.2 (2009): Daniel HV, Albert P, Mike P (2007). RFID: A Guide to Radio Frequency Identification. Wiley, ISBN: Pp Molnar, D., Wagner, D., Privacy and security in library RFID: issues, practices, and architectures. In: Proceedings of the 11th ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security, pp Paul Pandian (November 30, 2010). RFID for libraries: A Practical Guide, Chandos publishing, ISBN: Pawar, Kuldeep P., and Sunanda G. Rodge. "It Application in Library-Rfid Technology." Referred from on 13/7/2013. PP Rapid Radio (components of RFID) 8. RAMESH, M. (2012). Radio frequency Identification (RFID) Implementation for libraries. Indian Journal of Innovations and Developments, 1(9). 9. Simson, Gardinkel, and Roseberg Beth. "RFID Applications, Security, and Privacy." (2006). 10. Nagalakshmi, L. Radha Alias. "Deployment of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) at Indian academic libraries: Issues and best practice." International Journal of Library and Information Science 3.2 (2011): > RJSITM: Volume: 03, Number: 8, June-2014 Page 58