RFID technology simplifies basic library processes like self-checkout and check-in, anti-theft and inventory management. It also helps to improve customer service and enhance the overall efficiency of libraries.
The rewritable data block on the RFID labels enables the use of additional structured data elements, including the GS1 Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). This allows for identification of accounting objects in addition to individual documents and document sets.
Improved Customer Service
With the growing populations and increased circulation of library materials, libraries are challenged to meet the increasing demand for service. Library staff are expected to improve customer service while reducing collection loss and providing more opportunities for community engagement. This is often difficult due to limited budgets and staffing constraints. RFID technology allows libraries to focus more on carefully crafted programs, improving staff satisfaction and productivity, and building human connections that help them connect with the communities they serve. It also frees up the time and energy previously spent on manually coding, scanning, and inventorying books.
A major benefit of RFID in libraries is its ability to identify and locate items quickly. This allows staff to provide faster and more accurate checkouts, and reduces the amount of time that is spent on processing returns. It also reduces the risk of theft by enabling staff to monitor the movement of items.
Additionally, RFID provides the ability to track inventory more accurately than traditional bar code systems. Because RFID tags contain unique identification information, they can be read from a greater distance than barcodes. This allows library workers to scan the shelves without tipping items out of place.
This can be especially helpful for large libraries with high volumes of checkouts, where a single book can take up to five minutes to process. RFID can help increase staff efficiency by reducing the amount of time it takes to scan a shelf, and by allowing librarians to work on more customer-facing tasks.
With the advent of RFID, there are a number of new library automation tools that can help streamline the entire check-out and return process. For example, many libraries now have book drops that can be accessed by anyone, and are integrated with the library’s automated system to credit a user’s account when they return their books. This is a great way to make the process of returning library materials as simple as possible for the public.
RFID can also be used to help identify a document in the case of a missing or lost item. Since the data stored on the chip is readable by a reader, this technology can allow the library to track the location of documents and determine whether they have been moved from the library’s collections. This can be very helpful for libraries that have a large number of documents that need to be located, and helps them ensure that the right people are getting access to the materials they need.
Increased Efficiency
The RFID library system automates the inventory, check-out, and return processes. This reduces staff workload and allows them to spend more time on customer service, which improves the user experience. It also helps prevent theft of books and other items in the library, because the information encoded on each tag is constantly updated. The technology also eliminates the need for a line-of-sight or fixed plane to read a tag, as is required with traditional theft detection systems. In addition, RFID tags can be read in any direction and are not affected by glare or reflections.
Many libraries struggle with limited budgets that cannot keep up with the community’s demand for library services. However, they still must provide high levels of customer service and protect their collections. The installation of an RFID system can help them meet these challenges, and the ROI usually recoups itself within two years.
In addition to reducing staff costs and improving service, RFID can also increase the efficiency of other processes, including book issuing and returning. RFID readers can scan the barcode on a book’s cover or spine, eliminating the need for staff to manually enter a code. The system can also track each book throughout its lifecycle, making it easier to monitor a book’s circulation history and reducing the risk of theft.
Another way to improve library efficiency is by using RFID-enabled book drops, which allow patrons to return books 24×7 without having to visit the library. The RFID system automatically scans the book when it’s dropped off, and the data is updated in real-time. Then, the information is shared with the Koha library management system and a transaction receipt is printed.
Library automation is becoming more popular as the cost of RFID tags and readers continues to drop. However, the initial investment in an RFID system can be prohibitive for smaller libraries, particularly if they need to integrate it with existing library systems. In addition, technical issues and troubleshooting can add to the expense of implementing an RFID system. However, with the right plan and training, these systems can greatly improve the efficiency of a library’s operations.
Reduced Theft
Many library systems use RFID to track and manage the flow of books. This allows them to reduce staff workloads and free up time for programs that benefit the community. In addition to reducing labor costs, RFID can also help prevent theft. The microchips in the RFID tags affixed to library items make it easy for a librarian to determine the physical location of the item. This allows the librarian to quickly find the item and eliminates the need for a search. Additionally, RFID tags can be easily read by a handheld scanner or even a smartphone.
RFID technology enables libraries to streamline basic processes like checking out books and returning them. This makes the process faster, more accurate, and easier for both patrons and staff members. RFID can also improve the efficiency of other library services, including inventory, shelving, and other tasks. This helps library staff focus on carefully crafted programs and improving staff satisfaction, productivity, engaging spaces, and building human connections that will benefit the community.
Library automation can save money on staffing, maintenance, and utilities. The system can also provide real-time data to managers and patrons. This information can be used to make better decisions about library policies and service, which can lead to savings in operating costs. Additionally, RFID can improve circulation, which can reduce the need for additional staff and increase patron satisfaction.
Using an RFID system can also save librarians time by allowing them to scan more items at one time. For example, an RFID wand can be used to identify all the books in a stack instead of individually searching for each book on a shelf. Additionally, it can be used to verify that returned items are shelved correctly.
While library automation can save libraries money and time, it is important to consider the overall return on investment before implementing the system. Many libraries report that their ROI comes from reduced cost of staff, improved service, and a more efficient and secure system. However, if a library is not planning on adding more staff to handle increased volume, then the benefits of RFID may not be worth the extra cost.
Increased Security
Using RFID systems in libraries helps reduce theft and enables staff members to track library materials more easily. It also allows for faster issuance of books and improves inventory management. It can also help to increase library efficiency, improve customer service, and cut down on labor costs. RFID can be a good investment for any library, especially those with large collections of books.
Unlike barcodes, RFID tags can be read by a scanner regardless of the orientation or alignment of the item. In addition, the information stored in RFID tags can be scanned at a distance. This means that library staff can scan the inventory of a shelf without having to touch each book or folder. Additionally, RFID-enabled security gates can help to prevent theft by detecting items that are being taken out of the library without proper issue or return.
One of the main challenges of implementing an RFID system in a library is its initial investment costs. This includes the cost of the equipment, software, installation, and training for library staff. In some cases, these costs can be prohibitive for smaller libraries. Another challenge is integrating the RFID system with existing library systems, which can be time-consuming and complicated.
RFID systems can also provide additional benefits, including automated book returns. These can save librarians the time and effort required to process checkouts and returns, and they allow patrons to return books even when a library is closed. Additionally, the RFID technology can be used to automatically update records of new titles that are added to the collection.
The RFID based library management systems can also help to streamline book shelving and tracking. These can help to eliminate manual scanning of barcodes, which can be inaccurate and frustrating for library staff. By enabling libraries to automate their inventory processes, they can free up more of their time to focus on providing better customer service.
In addition to these benefits, RFID-based library automation systems can improve the productivity of librarians and other staff. They can be used to track and manage a large number of items simultaneously, which can greatly speed up the checkout and return process. They can also be used to automatically credit the account of a library user, accept returned items, and sort them for reshelving. This can increase library productivity significantly, especially if the system is paired with an automated materials handling (AMH) returns system.
