How to Choose your RFID Library Solution Provider

RFID technology can take library automation and security to a new level. RFID system for library involves RFID tags, RFID readers and software applications. The tags with encrypted information are placed on books and the same information can be retrieved on a dashboard through an RFID reader integrated with a software. The entire RFID system for libraries automates the process of book identification/tracking and prevents thefts. This also leads to a lot of time-saving for library staff and patrons. All kinds of libraries require RFID solutions.

The benefits of using a library RFID system are

• Improved Customer Experience
• Improved Workflows
• Streamlined Circulation
• Reducing manual labor required for handling the materials
• Inventory/Stock Management
• Improved Security

Hence, library managers would need to keep the above benefits in mind before selecting an RFID solution provider. Does the RFID solution increases speed and efficiency of your library operations? Do you want to manage the shelves without having to remove the books manually? These are some of the basic questions that needs to be answered before you go ahead with an RFID library solution.

Nevertheless before you consult an RFID library solution provider, make sure to define your library’s needs first. Besides needs, you would also need to identify the existing issues in your library operations. Does you library books go missing? Are you facing issues in managing stocks?

Once you have drafted your library’s needs and issues now is the time to do some research on RFID hardware, software and factors like scalability and flexibility. Find relevant case studies and white papers while researching and review them to better understand various RFID deployments.

Tag Quality

Before going for an RFID library solution, one must ensure that the RFID tags are of good quality to withstand all kinds of adverse climate conditions. Though library environments are quite stable but one cannot confirm the same stability when the book is in circulation. A library tag may undergo check-in/check out for a large number of years. So to be on the safer side always go for tags that will work in harsh conditions.

Compatibility

An RFID system for libraries is a combination of hardware equipment and software application, hence compatibility is very important. It is advisable to go for an RFID solution provider which can take care of both these aspects. The most important thing here is that your RFID library solution should be compatible with your LMS to ensure flexibility in the future.

There are low-frequency low cost, high frequency higher cost, and ultra-high-frequency tags available but one must go for a frequency that is compatible with the library legacy systems.

Tag Shape, Size, and Placement

RFID tags come in various shapes and sizes. An RFID library solution provider will give you various tag placement options. It is important to decide the placement first and then go ahead with the size and shape because certain placement options may come with size restrictions.

Tag Memory

RFID tags with low memory are likely to be sufficient for libraries. However, you can go for high memory tags to store large amount of data thereby providing higher security and accuracy.

Brand Value (Vendor Profile)

There are many vendors providing RFID solutions to all industry verticals. However, It is ideal to go for an RFID solution provider which is an established brand with good number of years of experience specializing in providing RFID solutions/systems for libraries. If you choose an RFID solution from a company that has zero or very slim experience in libraries then there are chances that they may not understand your library’s needs and this may lead to complications in the future. Always go for a solution provider that can provide RFID installation, maintenance, training, and support for the long term.

Checklist to decide an RFID Library Solution

Here is a quick checklist for you to decide on your RFID library solution provider or rather a list of all the library functions that your RFID based library automation system should cover

• Lending
• Security
• Shelf Management
• Stock Verification