Issues and Challenges of Rfid Technology: a Case Study of Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research Library

Abstract

The usage of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology in Libraries for document identification, self check in and check out, and stock verification can improve the overall process and user satisfaction as well as the security. This paper describes the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in facilitating efficient library operations of RFID can be used in libraries to ensure security and facilitate innovative services. This paper outlines of main components of RFID system and their specification , limitations of RFID system, Challenges in RFID implemeantion.

About Sird

Scientific Information Resource Division (SIRD) is one of the state of the art library catering to the needs of more than 5000 Scientists, Engineers, Research Scholars and students of various DAE Units at Kalpakkam. It has holdings of about 62,000 books, 48,000 back volumes, 600 journals, 15,000 standards, and two lakh technical reports.

SIRD offers following services

• Circulation
• Reference
• Digital Library
• Reprography
• Photography
• Current Awareness and
• Inter Library Loan

Main Components of Rfid System and Their Specifications in Sird

Sensor Gate: Sensor gate includes two theft detection pedestals, which are interdependent of each other and also have overlapping protection zones providing additional security. The system has a suitable number of I/O ports for standard electronic counter, web cam trigger, locking gates Figure 1.

Figure 1: RFID Sensor Gates at SIRD

Staff Station: Through this component, library staff can write, read, and removes item related details from RFID Tag. Staff stations are connected to the main computer system of the circulation counter and Library management software Figure 2.

Figure 2: RFID Based Staff Station

Self-check-in/check-out Kiosk: Self check-in/out kiosk serves as user station where the user can do self issue, return, renew, find overdue amount, and get enquiry slip from this station without going to circulation counter Figure3.

Figure 3: RFID Kiosk System

RFID Tag: RFID tag is the most important component of the RFID system. It can be fixed inside the last cover page of books or other documents of the library. It consists programmable antenna and microchip and labels with a capacity of 1024 bits memory Figure 4.

Figure 4: A Sample RFID Tag

User Smart Card: Library provides a multi-purpose RFID smart card to their users and this card can be used as Library Patron Card.

Inventory Band/PDA Reader: Inventory band is also known as Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) reader. It is a Wi-Fi Portable Library Inventory Reader integrated & supplied with rechargeable NiMH batteries. It can be integrated with the Library Database. So that user can able to search availability of any document in real time

Figure 5. RFID Inventory Reader

Limitations of Rfid System

• Totally dependent on electricity when electricity are not supply we cannot able to issue or return any item
• Users may not be aware of this technology
• Decrease personal relationship between staff and users
• Expensive, all institutes libraries may not be able to implement this technology
• Security problem may occur when the tags and sensor gate do not reflect the signal by some technical problem
• Evolving technology, so many libraries cannot be able to replace its current technology or version

Challenges in Rfid Implementation

The various challenges in RFID implementation are:

Tag Durability: It is notable that the bumps and protrusions of the chip and antenna make the tags vulnerable to damage and vandalism. In the near future tags may be as thin as paper because of the technological developments taking place in this industry.

Tag Interference: Placing two tags close together can interfere with the signal disabling the read capability of the scanner. Though most of the RFID suppliers have software systems in place to limit this possibility, the interference cannot be removed entirely at this time and further development of technology may solve this problem in future.

Obsolete technology: The ongoing development could make equipment and tags obsolete, rendering investments in older equipment useless, and requiring expensive conversions and upgrades to sustain the development. This is a serious problem especially for multi-unit and multi-campus libraries that may implement one branch at a time over several years.

Variation in the size of the books: The size of the book is the criteria which are being affected when it is kept on the reader. (Slim / large size book)

Need ICT infrastructure: The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) being implemented needs to managed with continuous upgradation.

Skilled manpower: Library staffs have to be trained with the new technology and usage.

Sustainability and Maintenance: Continuous Maintenance of equipment as well as software is an overhead

Security: Privacy issues of the patron to be taken care in case of RFID based User cards.

Conclusion

RFID is one of the most recent trends in modern academic libraries because of its helpful features like being faster, requiring less manpower, time saving, and security. As we know, RFID technology is also being used in many other areas such as healthcare, army, security, sports, marketing and industrial area for tracking the moveable item and providing speedy services. RFID applications are being used by libraries worldwide because it has been proved it has reduced the cost, manpower, time and proud quick and excellent user services.