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Library RFID system
Posted in: News | by Robo Tron | 2025 Nov 07
Library RFID
What RFID system is used for library books?
RFID systems used for library books typically involve tagging books with RFID tags, which are small integrated circuits with antennas that store unique identification information, such as an Electronic Product Code (EPC).
These tags are affixed inside books and can be read wirelessly by RFID readers, enabling automated tracking and management of library assets.
The most commonly used frequencies for library RFID systems are High Frequency (HF) at 13.56 MHz, which offers reliable performance with books and is compatible with standards like ISO 15693, though Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) and Near Field Communication (NFC) are also used depending on the system's needs.
A typical RFID library management system includes RFID readers, software for integration with the library’s Integrated Library System (ILS), and various application points such as self-service kiosks, staff circulation stations, book drop systems, and security gates.
For example, self-service kiosks allow patrons to check out or return multiple books at once by placing them on a reader, which automatically identifies each item and updates the system.
Similarly, handheld RFID readers can be used by staff to conduct quick inventory checks by scanning entire shelves without removing books, detecting items with exception statuses like missing or misplaced.
RFID systems also enhance security through anti-theft mechanisms. Security gates installed at library exits use RFID readers to detect books that have not been properly checked out; if an unauthorized book passes through, an alarm is triggered.
Some advanced systems, like the Cykeo RFID Library Management System, incorporate intelligent early warning features to reduce false alarms and ensure accurate operations.
Additionally, RFID-enabled smart shelves can automatically log returned books into the system, making them available for checkout immediately.
The RFID tags used are often re-writable and can store data such as security status directly on the tag, ensuring that books remain trackable throughout their lifecycle.
The technology allows for multiple tags to be read simultaneously, significantly speeding up processes like check-in, check-out, and inventory management compared to traditional barcode systems.
Overall, RFID systems streamline library operations, improve accuracy, enhance security, and support 24/7 self-service access, making them a cornerstone of modern library management.
