Syed Md. Shahid
Assistant Librarian
University of Jammu
Jammu-180006 India
Introduction
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) allows an item,
for example a library book, to be tracked and communicated with by radio waves.
This technology is similar in concept to a cellphone. RFID is a broad term for
technologies that use radio waves to automatically identify people or objects.
There are several methods of identification, but the most common is to store a
serial number that identifies a person or object, and perhaps other
information, on a microchip that is attached to an antenna (the chip and the
antenna together are called an RFID transponder or an RFID tag). The antenna
enables the chip to transmit the identification information to a reader. The
reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital
information that can then be passed on to computers that can make use of it
(FAQ, 2004).
RFID can be used library circulation operations and
theft detection systems. RFID-based systems move beyond security to become
tracking systems that combine security with more efficient tracking of
materials throughout the library, including easier and faster charge and
discharge, inventorying, and materials handling (Boss 2004).
This technology helps librarians reduce valuable
staff time spent scanning barcodes while charging and discharging items. 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 (i.e., the technology does not require line-of-sight
or a fixed plane to read tags as do traditional theft detection systems). The
RFID gates at the library exit(s) 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 gate
sensors.
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Components of
an RFID System
A comprehensive RFID system has four components:
RFID tags that are electronically programmed with
unique information
Readers or sensors to query the tags
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Server on which the software that interfaces with the
integrated library software is loaded.
Tags
The heart of the system is the RFID tag, which can be
fixed inside a book's back cover or 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 a microchip with a capacity of at least 64 bits. There
are three types of tags: "read only", "WORM," and
"read/write" (Boss 2003). "Tags are "read only" if the
identification is encoded at the time of manufacture and not rewritable.
"WORM" (Write-Once-Read-Many) tags are programmed by the using
organization, but without the ability to rewrite them later. "Read/write
tags," which are chosen by most libraries, can have information changed or
added. In libraries that use RFID, it is common to have part of the read/write
tag secured against rewriting, e.g., the identification number of the item.
Readers
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 (Sarma et al. 2002). 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 interpreted by the reader and sent
to the server, which, in turn, communicates with the integrated library system
when the RFID system is interfaced with it (Boss 2004).
RFID exit gate sensors (readers) at exits are
basically two types. One type reads the information on the tag(s) 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 following
ways (Boss 2003):
Conversion
station: where library data is written to the tag
Staff workstation at circulation: used to charge and
discharge library materials
Self check-out station: used to check out library
materials without staff assistance
Self check-in station: used to check in library
materials without staff assistance
Exit sensors: to verify that all material leaving the
library has been checked out
Book-drop reader: used to automatically discharge
library materials and reactivate security
Sorter and conveyor: automated system for returning
material to proper area of library
Hand-held reader: used for inventorying and verifying
that material is shelved correctly.
Antenna
The antenna produces radio signals to activate the
tag and read and write data to it. Antennas are the channels 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 are expected continually. Antennas can be
built into a doorframe to receive tag data from person's things passing through
the door.
Server
The server is the heart of some comprehensive RFID
systems. It is the communications gateway among the various components (Boss,
2004). It receives the information from one or more of the readers and
exchanges information with the circulation database. Its software includes the
SIP/SIP2 (Session Initiation Protocol), APIs (Applications Programming
Interface) NCIP (National Circulation Interchange Protocol) or SLNP necessary
to interface it with the integrated library software but no library vendor has
yet fully implemented NCIP approved by NISO (Koppel, 2004). The server
typically includes a transaction database so that reports can be produced.
Optional
Components
Optional RFID system includes the following three
components (Bibliotheca 2003):
RFID Label Printer
Handheld Reader
External Book Return
RFID label Printer
An RFID printer is used to print the labels with an
individual barcode, library logo, etc. When the print is applied, it
simultaneously programs the data in to the chip. After this process, the RFID
label is taken from the printer and applied to the book.
Handheld
Reader/Inventory Wand
The portable handheld reader or inventory wand can be
moved along the items on the shelves without touching them. The data goes to a
storage unit, which can be downloaded at a server later on, or it can go to a
unit, which will transmit it to the server using wireless technology. The
inventory wand will cover three requirements:
Screen the complete book collection on the shelves
for inventory control
Search for books, which are misshelved
Search for individual book requested.
Other applications can be written for the inventory
wand, since the system utilizes a personal data terminal (PDT).
External Book
Return
Libraries can offer a distinct service that is very
useful for users, such as the ability to return books when the library is
closed. An external book return is a machine with a slot with a chip RFID
reader integrated into the wall. It works the same way as the self checkout
station. The user identifies himself/herself (if required by the library), and
then puts the book(s) in to the slot. Upon completing the return, the user will
receive a receipt showing how many and which books were returned. Since they
have already been checked in, they can go directly back onto the shelves. These
units can also be used with sorter and conveyor systems.
Key Features
of RFID in Libraries
The reliability of the system, its ease of operation,
and the flexibility of tagging all kinds of media easily, are important
criteria in choosing an RFID system. The main aim for today's libraries in
adopting RFID is the need to increase efficiency and reduce cost. Automation
and self-service can help libraries of all sizes achieve these aims, and RFID
has the added advantage that it can also provide security for the range of
different media offered in libraries. The technology can also improve circulation
and inventory control, which helps allocate human and financial resources. This
means that libraries can relieve their professional employees of routine work
and operational tasks.
All of the tags used in RFID technology for libraries
are "passive." The power to read the tags comes from the reader or
exit sensor (reader), rather than from a battery within the tag. A few
libraries use "smart" card, which is an RFID card with additional
encryption, is an alternative to merely adding an RFID tag on staff and user
identification cards (Boss 2004). Not only does that identify users for issue
and return of library materials, but also for access to restricted areas or
services. This would make it possible to make it into a "debit" card,
with value added upon pre-payment to the library and value subtracted when a
user used a photocopier, printer, or other fee-based device, or wished to pay
fines or fees.
Self-charging/Discharging
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>The use of RFID reduces the amount of time
required to 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 for more productive and
interesting duties. Staff are relieved further when readers are installed in
book drops.
Reliability
The readers are highly reliable. Several vendors of
RFID library systems claim an almost 100 percent detection rate using RFID tags
(Boss 2004). Some RFID systems have an interface between the exit sensors and
the circulation software to identify the items moving out of the library. Were
a library user to leave the library and not be caught, the library would at
least know what had been stolen. If the user card also has an RFID tag, the
library will also be able to determine who removed the items without properly
charging them.
Other RFID systems encode the circulation status on
the RFID tag. 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 interface to an integrated library system,
the first to signal an immediate alarm and the second to identify what has been
taken out.
High-Speed
Inventorying
A unique advantage of RFID systems is 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. Using wireless technology, it is
possible not only to update the inventory, but also to identify items, which are
out of proper order.
Automated
Materials Handling
Another advantage of RFID technology is automated
materials handling. This includes conveyor and sorting systems that can move
library materials and sort them by category into separate bins or onto separate
carts. This significantly reduces the amount of staff time required to ready
materials for re-shelving.
Tag Life
RFID tags last longer than barcodes because the
technology does not require line-of-sight. Most RFID vendors claim a minimum of
100,000 transactions before a tag may need to be replaced (Boss 2004).
Disadvantages
of RFID Systems
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High cost. The major disadvantage of RFID technology
is its cost. While the readers and gate sensors used to read the information
typically cost around $2,000 to $3,500 each; and the tags cost $.40 to $.75
each.
Accessibility to compromise. It is possible to
compromise an RFID system by wrapping the protected material in two to three
layers of ordinary household foil to block the radio signal (Boss 2004). 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.
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 (Boss 2004). In Indian libraries, it is a major challenge to
keep the tags intact.
Exit gate sensor (Reader) problems. While the
short-range readers used for circulation charge and discharge and inventorying
appear to read the tags 100 percent of the time (Boss 2004), the performance of
the exit gate sensors is more problematic. They always don't 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.
User Privacy Concerns. Privacy concerns associated
with item-level tagging is another significant barrier to library use of RFID
tags. The problem with today's library RFID system is that the tags contain
static information that can be relatively easily read by unauthorized tag
readers. This allows for privacy issues described as "tracking" and "hotlisting"
(Ayre 2004).
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" (Molnar and Wagner 2004) or RFID tag.
Hotlisting refers to the process of building a database of books and their
associated tag numbers (the hotlist) and then using an unauthorized reader to
determine who is checking out items in the hotlist.
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 simple 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 it means any
RFID tag in an area where two readers overlap will be read twice (FAQ 2004).
Tag collision. Another problem readers have is
reading a lot of chips in the same field. Tag clash occurs when more than one
chip reflects back a signal at the same time, confusing the reader. Different
vendors have developed different systems for 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 (FAQ, 2004)
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 (Boss 2004).
Best Practices
for Libraries
As libraries are implementing RFID systems, it is
important to develop best practices guidelines to utilize the technology in
best way and to keep the privacy concern away. The following may be the best
practices guidelines for library RFID use (Berkeley Public Library n.d., Ayre
2004):
The Library should be open about its use of RFID
technology including providing publicly available documents stating the
rational for using RFID, objectives of its use and associated policies and
procedure and who to contact with questions.
Signs should be pasted at all facilities using RFID.
The signs should inform the public that RFID technology is in use, the types of
usage and a statement of protection of privacy and how this technology differs
from other information collection methods.
Only authorized personnel should have access to the
RFID system.
No personal information should be stored on the RFID
tag.
Information describing the tagged item should be
encrypted on the tag even if the data is limited to a serial number
No static information should be contained on the tag
(bar code, manufacturer number) that can be read by unauthorised readers
All communication between tag and reader should be
encrypted via a unique encryption key.
All RFID readers in the library should be clearly
marked.
ISO 18000 mode-2 tags should be used rather than ISO
15693.
Installations
While there are over 500,000 RFID systems installed
in warehouses and retail establishments worldwide, RFID systems are still
relatively new in libraries. Fewer than 250 had been installed as of the first
quarter of 2004 (Boss 2004). Most installations are small, primarily in branch
libraries. The University of Connecticut Library; University of Nevada/Las
Vegas Library, the Vienna Public Library in Austria, the Catholic University of
Leuven in Belgium, and the National University of Singapore Library are the
only sites that appear to have tagged more than 500,000 items each. So far in
India , only two University libraries have adopted the RFID system. First among
them is Jayakar Library of Pune University and second is Dhanvantri Library of
Jammu University . The use of RFID throughout Indian libraries will take at
least four to five years.
Recent
Developments
Recent developments in hardware and software for RFID
systems have increased the potential of this technology in library automation
and security. 'Today, the one important result for libraries is the ability to
use non-proprietary systems, now that the new generation of RFID-chips with
standard ISO 15693 (to be integrated into ISO 18000-3) is available,' explains
Dr Christian Kern, system development manager of Bibliotheca RFID Library
Systems, a Swiss company specialising in such systems for libraries. "With
this technology, libraries do not have to depend on one single supplier for
tags. As libraries make a long-term investment, which mainly consists of the
quantity of tags needed, this is a very important requirement."
Vendors
The products of six manufacturers of library RFID
systems are available in India through their business associates: Bibliotheca,
Checkpoint, ID Systems, 3M, X-ident technology GmbH represented by Infotek
software and systems in India and TAGSYS- the last represented by Tech Logic,
Vernon, Libsys in India and VTLS. There are several other companies that
provide products that work with RFID, including user self-charging stations and
materials handling equipment.
RFID technology introduces an ethical dilemma for
librarians. The technology allows for greatly improved services for patrons
especially in the area of self check out, it allows for more efficient use of
professional staff, and may reduce repetitive stress injuries for library
workers. And yet, the technology introduces the threat of hot listing and
tracking library patrons. Librarians have taken extra steps to ensure that law
such as the USA PATRIOT act can not be used by government entities to invade
the privacy of their patrons, and yet many of those same libraries are placing
traceable chips on their patron’s books.
Libraries have traditionally acted to protect and
defend 5the privacy of their patrons and yet some are implementing a technology
before proper safeguards have been developed. Library use of RFID technology
serves to legitimize the technology in the eyes of the community. Therefore, it
is incumbent on the library community to ensure that the technology is
developed in concert with established privacy principles and that any library
use of RFID follows best practices guidelines consistent with library values.
Conclusion
It is quite clear from the above discussion that an
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
$.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.
Current standards (ISO 15693) apply to container-level tagging used in supply
chain applications and do not address problems of tracking and hot listing.
Next generation tags (ISO 18000) are designed for item level tagging. The newer
tags are capable of resolving many of the privacy problems of today's tags.
However, no library RFID products are currently available using the new
standard. Both cost and equipment may make RFID prohibitive in developing countries
at this time.
References:
1. Ayre, Lori Bowen, The Galecia Group (August 2004)
Position paper: RFID and libraries. Retrieved
fromwww.galecia.com/weblog/mt/archives/cat_rfidandwireless.php
2. Berkeley Public Library (n.d.) Berkeley Public
Library: Best Practices for RFID technology. Retrieved
fromberkeleypubliclibrary.org/BESTPRAC.pdf.
3. BIBLIOTHECA RFID Library Systems AG (2003) RFID
Technology Overview. Retrieved fromwww.bibliotheca-rfid.com
4. Boss. R. W. (2003). RFID technology for libraries [Monograph].Library
Technology Reports. November-December 2003.
5. Boss. R. W. PLA Tech Notes (May 14, 2004) RFID
Technology for libraries. Retrieved
fromwww.ala.org/ala/pla/plapubs/technotes/rfidtechnology.htm
6.FAQ RFID Journal (Online Version 2004) Retrieved
fromwww.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/207
7. Koppel, T. (March 2004). Standards in Libraries:
What's Ahead: a guide for Library Professional about the Library Standards of
Today and the Future. The Library Corporation. Retrieved
fromhttp://www.tlcdelivers.com/tlc/pdf/standardswp.pdf.
8. Molnar, D., Wagner, D. A. (June 2004). Privacy and
security in library RFID: Issues, practices and architectures. Retrieved
fromwww.cs.berkeley.edu~dmolnar/library.
9. Sarma, E. S. Weis, S. A., Engels, D.W. (November
2002). White paper: RFID systems, security & privacy implications.
Cambridge , MA : Massachusetts Institute of Technology, AUTO-ID Center.
