Is RFID necessary in libraries? Automation of library processes based on modern radio frequency identification design solutions Library RFID tag.

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Automation of library processes based on modern design solutions for radio frequency identification (RFID) of objects

Zhanna Molchan

Many libraries widely use barcoding in their automation systems to identify publications. However, marking technologies are constantly being improved, and the world's leading libraries already give preference to automation systems based on RFID technology (RFID - Radio Frequency IDentification

Radio frequency identification) RFID // WIKIPEDIA. Free encyclopedia [Electronic resource] - Access mode: http:// ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/RFID. - Access date: 08/15/2012..

RFID technology is a method for automatically identifying objects in which data stored in so-called RFID tags is read or written using radio signals (radio frequency electromagnetic radiation). Any RFID system consists of a reader and an RFID tag. A tag can contain any data about an object that is stored in digital form.

The advantages of RFID technology compared to barcoding are:

1) the ability to rewrite data. RFID tag data can be rewritten and supplemented many times, while barcode data cannot be changed because it is written immediately when printed;

no need for line of sight. The RFID reader does not need direct line of sight to the tag to read its data. The mutual orientation of the tag and the reader does not matter. To read data, a tag only needs to enter the registration area, including when moving through it at a sufficiently high speed, while to read a barcode, the reader always needs direct visibility of it;

2) longer reading distance. An RFID tag can be read at a much greater distance than a barcode. Depending on the tag and reader model, the reading radius can be up to several tens of meters;

3) larger data storage volume. An RFID tag can store significantly more information than a barcode;

4) Support reading multiple tags. RFID readers can simultaneously read several dozen RFID tags per second, and a barcode reader can only scan one barcode at a time;

5) reading tag data at any location. The only condition is that the tag is within the reader's coverage area;

6) resistance to environmental influences. There are RFID tags that are highly durable and resistant to harsh operating environments, and the barcode is easily damaged (for example, by moisture or contamination);

7) high degree of security. Like any digital device, an RFID tag has the ability to password-protect data recording and reading operations, as well as encrypt them. One label can simultaneously store open and closed data.

In the Central Scientific Library named after. Y. Kolas of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (CNB NAS of Belarus) work on the introduction of RFID technology into the main technological processes and on its integration with the BIT2000u automation system operating in the library (ABIS BIT2000^ began in 2009.

In 2009-2010 within the framework of the List of works on the development of the state system of scientific and technical information, the Central Scientific Library of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus implemented a project to create an automated information system for recording scientific and technical literature funds based on radio frequency identification technologies (RFID ALIS). As a result of the project, a prototype of a specialized system was created that provides technologies for control and monitoring of the book collection of the Central Scientific Library of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus when library employees perform technological operations of accounting, storage, inventory, issuing books and servicing readers.

When choosing the operating frequency of the system, two ranges were considered: high frequency (HF) - 13.56 MHz and ultra high frequency (UHF) - 865-867 MHz. The choice in favor of the UHF range was made for the following reasons:

The system is built using technology for tracing objects marked with RFID tags, where the detection range reaches 1.5-8 m (versus 0.5-1.0 m for the HF range). This makes it possible to organize portals for recording the movement of publications and readers up to 3 m wide and up to 2 m high (according to the size of the doorway), while the price of such portals is significantly lower than their HF analogues;

UHF tags are more compact, which allows you to insert them into the spine of a book if desired, reliably protecting them from detection and accidental or intentional damage;

Mobile UHF readers are more compact, have a longer reading distance and are ergonomic, since they are based on modern handheld computers. Most of them now support WiFi technology in the basic version, which significantly increases the convenience of working with them;

The technological design of tags and their widespread use to identify various commodity flows provide a steady downward trend in the price of the tag;

Desktop UHF readers for book circulation workstations are more compact;

Compared to tags of other ranges, the reliability of reading a UHF tag practically does not depend on its spatial orientation relative to the portal, which increases the reliability and efficiency of operation of all system components.

To build an ABIS RFID for the Central Scientific Library of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, tags of the EPC Class1 Gen2 standard, readers and software were used.

The choice of Gen2 standard labels was given preference because: it is an international standard, strictly aligned with ISO requirements; its protocol provides higher data transfer rates - up to 640 Kbps; its tags are protected from overwriting and an access password of up to 32 bits is supported; its tags are currently significantly cheaper than the previous generation tags; its tags can be effectively used in overlapping and close areas of several readers simultaneously due to the diversity of reader frequency channels; and also use an effective anti-collision mechanism based on multi-session management of the state of tags during inventory, i.e. reading tags in the registration area.

RFID tags on a self-adhesive basis are placed on library materials and perform identification and anti-theft functions. To identify readers, plastic cards with an RFID tag or a library card made in the traditional way by lamination together with an RFID tag can be used.

RFID readers, which are used in the system of the Central Scientific Library of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, can be conditionally divided into three types: special manual ones (small in size), are lightweight and have a convenient user interface for conducting inventory and searching for books;

desktop USB - for programming labels on publications and library cards;

stationary - to organize control portals at the entrance/exit of the library and in reading rooms to prevent unauthorized removal of books from the library, as well as control the movement of publications and readers around the library, counting the number of visitors.

In ABIS RFID, an electronic product code (Electronic Product Code - EPC) has been developed for objects (publications and library cards). The 96-bit EPC code format is strictly defined by GS1 EPCGlobal standards and is presented in the table.

rfid identification library

The newly generated EPC codes are unique within the system and represent the following values in accordance with the EPC standard:

EPC code owner code: 3 (Central Scientific Library of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, length 28 bits);

Object classes: 1 - library fund object,

2 - library card, 3 - library collection object allowed for removal (length 24 bits);

Object serial number: unique object number (length - 36 bits, i.e. it is possible to number 68,719,476,735 unique objects).

The “Object Serial Number” attribute of the publication’s EPC code has a unique meaning within the library’s collection, and for the library card EPC code it is associated with the library card number assigned at the reader registration desk.

Uniqueness is ensured by RFID ABIS when generating an EPC code during the marking of publications in storage, as well as when registering new arrivals. The EPC code of the publication is transferred to ABIS BIT2000u to be associated with the accession number of the publication.

To control stationary radio frequency equipment, specialized software is used - the logistics server Logistic Spy 2.0 (developed by NIRUP "Interindustry Scientific and Practical Center for Identification Systems and Electronic Business Operations" of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus). The logistics server, being essentially an intermediary between application software and RFID equipment, provides:

Description of the configuration of the RFID equipment used;

Administration, configuration and monitoring of RFID equipment;

Automatic collection of information about registered RFID tags;

Processing and filtering information about RFID tags, generating corresponding events;

Entering events into the “Repository” database and providing application software with access to it;

Providing application software with high-level libraries for managing RFID equipment.

The logistics server allows you to simultaneously use RFID equipment from different manufacturers within the information system, which makes the information system flexible in terms of development and replacement of outdated equipment. It is adapted to control the operation of readers from the following manufacturers: Feig, Motorola, IDTRONIC, Impinj, IdNova.

Currently, 11 stationary network readers from four manufacturers and 25 desktop readers are used for service in the Central Scientific Library of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. To effectively integrate RFID technology, the existing software of the ABIS BIT2000u system was upgraded and interfaced with radio frequency equipment. To connect desktop RF readers, high-level control libraries included in the logistics server are used. New scenarios for the library's operation have been developed, taking into account the capabilities provided by RFID technology, and possible expansions of the system have been outlined.

The upgraded system supports the following functions:

Labeling of the new book stock;

Labeling of existing book stock in the process of using publications by readers;

Automatic search of book stock when working with publications;

Automatic tracking of the book stock and readers when moving around the premises;

Anti-theft control of the book stock;

Registration of new or re-registration of readers with the issuance of a library card with an RFID tag;

Quick search for a bibliographic publication in the book collection;

Automatic return of the book fund;

Tracking remaining readers on premises during library building closures;

Issuance of reports based on information about the movement of control objects.

Control of the movement of marked objects throughout the library premises is ensured by automatically reading information from RFID tags and recording information about events in the database, namely: the EPC code of the publication/reader, date/time, reader/antenna number are entered.

The system operates within the information environment of the library and has a central server node based on the logistics server.

Let us list the changes in the library operating rules that occurred after the introduction of RFID technologies.

1) When processing new receipts, a library employee manually checks the received materials for compliance with the accompanying documents, makes marks, sticks an RFID tag, and then registers it in the system using a desktop reader. The tag is programmed automatically.

2) The inventory of the collection has been simplified; the library employee no longer checks each copy of the stored fund with the accounting catalogue; it is enough to walk along the shelves with a special portable RFID reader. The data read from the tags is automatically checked against the data stored in the library's electronic catalog.

3) The search for an ordered book in the repository has been accelerated, since the procedure for visually searching for a publication using the addressing system adopted in the library has been eliminated. The RFID reader gives a signal if the publication is in the reading field. It is possible to search for several publications at the same time, as well as search for incorrectly arranged publications on the storage shelves.

4) Improved reader service process. It is enough to bring a library card with an RFID tag to the reader, and the system will identify the reader in seconds and provide a list of publications prepared for issue. Since readers have the ability to recognize several publications at the same time, information about the books issued to the reader can be entered into the form all at once, which significantly speeds up the issuance itself.

5) If a copy of the fund has not undergone RFID registration, then this process can be carried out at the time the publication is issued to the reader. The librarian applies an RFID tag to the publication and places it within the range of the desktop reader's antenna. The publication is assigned an EPC code, which is written on the label and set in accordance with the accession number in the ALIS BIT2000 database^ Next, the publication is issued to the reader according to the actions described in clause 4.

6) When issuing publications, a sign of the reader’s debt to the library reading room is recorded on the library card tag. This information is stored in the RFID tag's memory until the publication is returned. It is impossible to leave the library without paying for the reading room. The system records all information about the debt on the exit control portal and sends a signal to the duty officer prohibiting the reader from leaving.

7) The process of processing the return of publications has been accelerated. The library employee simply reads the tags of all publications returned by the reader on a desktop reader, and the system automatically processes the return with confirmation on the screen. Return errors are excluded.

8) Registration of library readers (new or re-registration of existing ones) with tickets with an RFID tag includes: generating a unique reader number; entering information into the database; recording it in the RFID memory of the tag using a desktop reader.

9) Access control at the entrance is carried out at a specialized workplace equipped with a reader with a built-in antenna, which is used as a scanner for contactless tags and hand luggage. When checking a library card, the system analyzes the relevance, validity period of the library card, the reader’s debts and makes a decision on the reader’s ability to enter/exit. All the necessary information about the reader and a permitting or prohibiting signal are sent to the duty librarian’s computer. When checking hand luggage, the system records and processes only those tags whose EPC code corresponds to the format accepted in the library.

10) Control of the removal of books from the library is carried out using a portal installed at the main entrance, where information from RFID tags of labeled publications and library cards is automatically read. The incoming information is entered into the database. If you try to bring in a publication that is prohibited for take-out, a corresponding message is sent to the duty officer’s computer, which is duplicated by an audio signal.

Main results obtained from implementation

systems based on RFID technology provide

new features of the library:

Improving the quality of reader service;

Maximum automation of standard operations, facilitating and increasing the productivity of the librarian;

Possibility of more frequent and faster inventory of funds;

Minimizing the time for issuing library materials;

Real-time library management;

Ensuring control of the availability of books and their movement throughout the library;

prompt receipt of information about the location of any book and reader.

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radio frequency identification as part of SAB IRBIS64

The main types of Russian library RFID equipment are presented

and foreign production, the basic principles of its interaction are shown

with SAB IRBIS64. Attention is paid to the role of standardization of existing and

solutions being developed in this area. World and Russian lighting

experience in using RFID devices in libraries.

Key words: library RFID equipment, RFID devices, IRBIS64 library automation system, integration tools with automated library devices, library automation.

The spread of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in libraries can already be called widespread.

Over the years of operation of RFID equipment, extensive experience has been accumulated, reflected in a number of national standards adopted in almost all developed countries of the world. Generally accepted approaches to the selection and implementation of equipment and methods of its use in library processes have been developed. Quite a lot of companies have appeared on the market that are professionally involved in RFID automation of libraries and have extensive positive experience in this area.

In Russian conditions, the spread of RFID technology in relation to libraries has a number of features that are, as a rule, restraining in nature. First of all, it should be noted that library staff are insufficiently aware of the capabilities and features of library RFID equipment. This leads to misconceptions about the capabilities of the technology and the needs of the library among those who are responsible for purchasing automation equipment, which some general IT companies are in a hurry to take advantage of, ready to fulfill “any whim for your money,” or non-core commercial organizations seeking to expand their sales area their equipment at the expense of libraries.

Another significant obstacle is the lack of funding for most libraries. The cost of library RFID equipment is relatively high and usually exceeds the cost of a library ABIS, while the scope of automation of such a system is quite narrow: storage and circulation of traditional library collections. It is no secret that in recent years, readers' interest in such funds as a source of information has significantly decreased and shifted towards electronic resources. This situation raises questions for library managers about the efficiency of using funds for the purchase of additional automation equipment.

Another problem is closely related to the above features.

Despite the fact that today the vast majority of Russian libraries are computerized and widely use ALIS tools from various manufacturers, the functionality of such systems is often poorly adapted to the effective use of RFID equipment.

This is due to the fact that ALIS developers do not pay enough attention to supporting new technology and, in most cases, are limited to expanding the existing capabilities of ALIS in using barcoding for the simplest types of RFID equipment. This does not take into account a significant part of the capabilities of RFID technology, which today is used in almost all areas of human activity. Methodological centers of mass information systems often cannot provide effective information and technical support to their users in the field of RFID, which forces them to search for and receive such information from third-party and not always competent sources.

In general, this situation significantly hinders the spread of RFID technology in Russian libraries and does not allow them to effectively use available resources to develop automation of their activities.

Today, the most widely used library automation system in the post-Soviet space is IRBIS64. It can be argued that it is currently the leader among Russian automation systems in terms of the level of provision with the means to effectively work with RFID equipment.

The development team of SAB IRBIS64 has many years of experience in research and development of software solutions, and is also directly involved in the development of RFID equipment.

The beginning of active work in this direction can be considered the carrying out, within the framework of a state contract with the Federal Agency for Science and Innovation, research on the topic “Development of a software and technological complex for automated accounting, storage and movement of scientific and technical information funds based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies.” The work was carried out in 2008. by the efforts of the NP "International Center for Technology Transfer" and the State Public Library for Science and Technology of Russia.

As part of the research work, the basic principles of automation of library processes using RFID technology were developed, a number of software products were created that were used in the automation system of the State Public Library of Science and Technology of Russia based on the IRBIS32 SAB.

Together with a number of specialized design and technological enterprises, a number of library RFID devices were also developed, currently used in the State Public Library for Science and Technology of Russia.

Subsequently, continuous work was carried out on the development of existing and creation of new automation tools in the field of RFID as part of the IRBIS64 SAB. Today, several joint projects are underway with developers of other Russian ABIS in the field of integration with existing RFID tools.

Currently, RFID technology support tools as part of the IRBIS64 self-service system are being developed in the following main directions:

1. Automation of library processes of storage and circulation of library collections;

2. Integration tools with access control and management systems and banking payment systems;

3. Tools for integration with automated library RFID devices (self-service and return stations);

4. Means of implementing anti-theft functions.

The main types of RFID equipment involved in the SAB IRBIS64 (128) have been identified.

The list of devices can be divided into the following categories:

1. Tags for marking documents of the library collection - libraries - and cards for identifying readers - electronic library cards (ELC);

2. Readers for reading and writing data into tags and electronic digital documents for working with electronic digital documents and individual documents - small in size and with a range of 5 - 10 cm, as well as for working with a stack of documents - tablet - with a range of 20 - 60 cm;

3. Anti-theft RFID gates to control the passage of readers with electronic security and the carrying of marked documents;

4. Mobile readers for inventory of library documents;

5. Integrated automated library devices - self-service stations for readers, self-return, sorting and delivery of documents.

Automation of library processes begins with document tagging. For this purpose, specialized RFID markers are used - libraries. Their specificity lies in the fact that they are designed for long-term marking of paper documents - for decades; In addition, the backing material and the adhesive layer are made in such a way as not to damage the paper carrier during long-term contact. A good form when purchasing such tags is to require them to be tested at the Federal Center for Conservation of Library Collections in the National Library of Russia.

It should be noted that the library must contain an original NXP I-Code SliX crystal, the performance of which is guaranteed by the manufacturer for 25 years. Physical parameters must be selected in such a way that it has maximum sensitivity when sticking to a paper document.

Along with library tags, there are quite a lot of tags of a similar RFID standard on the market today, usually produced at enterprises in Southeast Asia and intended for logistics applications (their life cycle is no more than one year). Such tags cost less, but their long-term performance is not guaranteed; in addition, they are intended for sticking to materials other than paper, and when in contact with a book, they significantly reduce their sensitivity.

Libraries have rewritable, nonvolatile memory that is used by the RFID system to store document identification information.

For the initial marking of documents and programming of digital library tags, SAB IRBIS64 includes an automated workplace "RFID-conversion", which is integrated with almost all standard RFID readers available on the market and allows you to automate the process of marking documents and initial programming of libraries and electronic digital library as much as possible. By configuring the automated workstation settings, it is possible to implement various options for generating identification information when entering it into the library’s memory - from using the unique code of the tag itself in various types of presentation or an existing barcode as the main identifier to transferring identification information and inventory parameters from EC records.

The Danish standard "RFID Data Model for Libraries... Danish Standard S24/u4" ("Danish Model") has been adopted as a model for representing data in the library's memory in the IRBIS64 SAB as the most widespread in the world and corresponds to the international standard ISO 28560 "Radio Frequency Identification in libraries." The IRBIS64 RFID system does not use corporate data presentation standards designed to “isolate” the equipment of individual suppliers at the level of data compatibility. This approach leaves IRBIS SAB users with the choice of using equipment from various manufacturers and suppliers at different stages of development of a library automation project.

To automate the work with tagged documents as part of standard IRBIS64 (128) workstations, a software module "RFID client" is used, designed for the RFID reader to read the main tag identifier from the memory and enter it into the active field of the workstation interface. It should be noted that to work with IRBIS128 WEB interfaces, the module uses an extension of the 3M SIP data exchange protocol, compatible with versions 2.0 and 3.0. It should also be noted that for the operation of the Book Issue workstation, “deep” integration is used through the use of the “RFID client” software module in the form of an OCX software component integrated into the Book Issue workstation at the program code level.

To take into account the readers of SAB IRBIS64 uses ECHB, which in the basic version are plastic RFID cards of the I-Code SliX type with a printed image according to a layout developed by the library.

Depending on the conditions of use of ECB, various means can be used for their production. If “personalized” tickets are used, they are prepared in advance and programmed when issued by means of the “RFID conversion” automated workplace. If personal data is supposed to be printed on the ECB, then they are produced using the “Print ECB” workstation, working with a semi-professional retransfer card printer Fargo HDP 5000.

The formation of an image for printing is carried out “on the fly” and is made up of a basic layout and four programmable elements, which use text information (full name, reader category, etc.), a photograph obtained from a network resource directly from the IRBIS64 reader database, and also via SIP2 protocol.

In recent years, complex automation projects have become widespread at the level of large universities, in which ABIS is part of the overall information system. In this case, the user identification card of such a system must work in several adjacent local systems and perform the functions of a means of payment. Payment cards issued by banks and federal structures are usually used as identification cards in such projects.

The means of integration with payment banking systems available as part of the IRBIS64 SAB allow the use of bank cards of the ISO14443 standard as ECHB in full compliance with the data presentation model standard for libraries.

Currently, together with OJSC Gazprombank, the Campus Card solution has been implemented, in which a bank card performs the functions of a pass and electronic security along with the functions of a means of payment.

For automated inventory of library collection documents, the Inventory workstation is designed, currently integrated with mobile readers RH-6 produced by SKB Radel, FEIG ID ISC.PRH101 produced by FEIG electronic and a mobile Wi-Fi RFID terminal produced by the company " Tagsys". Work is underway to integrate the workstation with a mobile RFID terminal manufactured by 3M.

The full version of the workstation is under development, but the current version allows you to effectively conduct an inventory of library collection units classified in EC, identify screensavers on shelves and find lost copies. It should also be noted that at present, NP "MCTT" and LLC "MicroEM Component" (Zelenograd) are jointly developing a specialized library mobile reader that best meets the requirements and inventory methodology of the RFID SAB IRBIS64 system.

The means of integration with automated library devices should first of all include the automated workplace "SIP2 server"; It supports standard library devices using the 3M Standard Interchange Protocol Version 2.

00". Such devices include self-service stations in free access halls for registering the issue and return of literature without the participation of library workers, as well as stations for self-return and sorting of books. Integration tools also include automated workstation "Self-book issue", which makes it possible to implement the functionality automated station The workstation has a simple touch interface that allows you to register the issue or return of literature through simple actions, and can work with different sets of hardware.

The functionality of the data workstation allows it to be installed both on an inexpensive touchscreen monoblock equipped with a tablet RFID reader (the cost of such a system is several tens of thousands of rubles), and on a specialized foreign-made station, the cost of which can approach a million rubles. The automated workstation supports work via the 3M SIP2 protocol, but as part of the IRBIS64 self-service system, it can be directly registered on the server as an automated workstation "Book Issue" - in this case, the automated workplace most fully implements the model of accounting for readers - according to access rights to the system and documents - according to storage locations.

The means that implement anti-theft functions include automated automated control systems “Anti-theft gates” and “Turnstile”.

The automated workplace "Anti-theft gates" allows you to control the operation of RFID gates via the RS-485 interface, implementing "smart" functions, such as selective control of documents based on additional characteristics in the IRBIS64 database, automatic registration of book issues, counting of visits and visitors, etc. The automated workplace is integrated with RFID gates RH-4 RH-7 manufactured by SKB Radel, as well as with gates of types ID ISC.ANT1690/600-A "Crystal Gate" and "Crystal Gate", manufactured by FEIG electronic.

The "Turnstile" automated workstation allows you to control the operation of the turnstiles, monitoring the passage of employees and readers.

Together with the rest of the SAB IRBIS64 automated systems, the Anti-theft Gates and Turnstiles make it possible to implement various configurations of anti-theft library systems using the Electronic Checklist technology. Some of the operating modes of the IRBIS64 SAB are protected by a Russian patent.

The workstations implement the “Monitor” operating mode, which allows you to remotely monitor the operation of the system and obtain statistical data on its results.

Effective and fully functional use of the presented RFID technology support tools requires library staff to have a fairly high level of knowledge in this area.

Currently, to provide methodological and informational support to users of the IRBIS64 SAB in the use of RFID equipment, a specialized Internet technical support portal “support.progulam.net” has been created on the website of the EBNIT Association, along with the IRBIS forum, where registered users can receive qualified assistance and advice. To resolve operational issues related to the setup and use of specialized automated workstations, the technical support telephone number is available around the clock: 8 - 800 - 555 - 01 - 21. Today, work is underway to organize a training and methodological center on the use of RFID technology as part of the IRBIS64 SAB.

The presence of the presented software and technical support tools allows users of the IRBIS64 SAB to effectively design and create flexible automation systems based on RFID technology, having the opportunity to freely select equipment from various manufacturers in accordance with the required functionality of the system and the project budget.

In p Recently, the use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology in libraries has been rapidly growing to organize services for readers, as well as control the movement of books, videotapes, CDs and other storage objects.RFID technology is already used in a number of Russian libraries.

EXPERIENCE YAOUNB IM. ON THE. NEKRASOVA

It becomes obvious that RFID technology has a number of undoubted advantages in libraries.advantages over the traditional barcode and replaces barcoding or begins to be used in parallel. The introduction of RFID technologies began to be actively discussed at library conferences, for example at the LIBCOM conference, from the beginning2000s. Despite the problems and difficulties encountered by colleagues, the advantagesRFID could not help but attract attention.

Today, our library, like many others, faces several important tasks that can be solved with the help of RFID technologies:

improve the level of reader service;
reduce the time for issuing materials;
automate standard operations as much as possible to increase productivity;
identify users;
ensure the safety of funds;
manage your library in real time.

Fund of the Yaroslavl Regional Universal Scientific Library named after N.A. Nekrasov has more than 2.7 million copies of documents on various media, includingincluding approximately 80 thousand documents from rare and local history collections of significant cultural value. The cost of new publications entering the library increases every year. The problem of ensuring the safety of the collection from unauthorized removal is more than relevant for the library. At the same time, it is necessary to create the most comfortable conditions possible for readers in the process of selecting publications on open access shelves and issuing and receiving library documents.

YAOUNB did not use barcoding, so the question of switching from oneThere was no other technology in front of us. But other important problems arose that were solved at the preliminary stage:

preparing a justification for obtaining additional funding for the purchase of RFID equipment and consumables - RFID tags (labels) and electronic library cards;
preparing funds for tagging;
organizing the retro-introduction of books received by the library before 1998;
purchase of workstations for service departments.

In 2011, our project to introduce electronic library cards was included in the regional target program “Development of informatization of the Yaroslavl region” at2011–2013 The main stage of implementation of RFID technology has begun.

We assume that the implementation of the project:

will allow libraries of various municipalities within the region to gain new knowledge about modern innovations in the field of security and preservation of funds, exchange experiences and jointly solve professional problems;
will provide greater public access to all library resources serving residents of the Yaroslavl region;
will help increase library attendance by facilitating access to library resources and collections, increasing the efficiency of using the collection, improving the planning capabilities of the collection acquisition process due to the ability to effectively collect a variety of statistical data on the use of the collection, reader routes, and increasing the preservation of the collection.

Integration of the Automated Library and Information System “IRBIS” and RFID technology allows us to move the system to a different quality level, making it more attractive for the user and the library and solving the following tasks at the first stage:

book identification and theft protection;
the ability for library employees to issue/receive five or more books (in a pack) at the same time with activation/deactivation of the anti-theft function through the book lending station;
the opportunity for readers to independently, without the participation of library staff, receive books through an RFID self-service station;
carry out a quick inventory of funds;
use RFID cards not only to identify the reader and work with book issuing/receiving stations, but also to control access to copiers and printers.

MAIN COMPONENTS OF AN RFID SYSTEM FOR LIBRARIES

Electronic library card – a plastic card that allows you to automate user identification processes, organize control and management of access of readers and employees to library premises, automate accounting, etc. An electronic library card can have an individual design within the framework of the library’s corporate identity and perform additional functions (which can be activated or deactivated): identification at self-service stations and return stations for registering media and publications, as well as maintaining accounts, opening electronic locks, making payments at self-service stations, at copy machines, etc.

There are two options for purchasing library cards.

The library can buy blanks - plastic cards with RFID and then apply all the necessary information to them independently. For this approach, you need to purchase a plastic card printer and consumables: RFID cards, ribbons and cleaning kits for the printer. We had a sad experience implementing this approach: the printer quickly broke down. Therefore, we chose the second option.
Purchasing ready-made tickets with information about the library from the supplier. In this case, the ticket cannot be personalized; all data about the reader is contained in a common database. The number of electronic library tickets for purchase is determined based on the number of library users registered in the database.

RFID tags (tags) are small stickers (for books -55× 85 mm, for discs - outer diameter 40 mm, inner diameter 16 mm). The tag has a unique code that the library system uses to distinguish one book from another. Each tag usually has an activated and deactivated anti-theft function built into it. The tag has a rewritable memory, which is used to mark permission or prohibition for the removal of books and other official records. The tag may be covered with an additional security label with a barcode, library logo, or other information printed on it.

The number of tags for purchase is calculated based on the need to equip with tags, first of all, the subscription fund (as the most popular among readers), the local history department fund and the rare book department fund (as the most valuable).

The RFID tag memory has three sectors: a sector that stores the unique identification code of the tag, a user memory sector with the ability to rewrite information, and a sector responsible for security.

Information can be stored in the memory of an RFID tag in various ways. The method of recording information depends on the design features of the tag.

Depending on this, the following types of tags are distinguished.

Read Only – tags that only work to read information. The data required for storage is entered into the tag’s memory by the manufacturer and cannot be changed or deleted during operation.
WORM marks (Write Once Read Many ) for single recording and multiple reading of information. They come from the manufacturer without any user data in the memory device. The necessary information is recorded by the user himself, but only once. If you need to change the data, you will need a new label.
R/W tags (Read/Write) – for repeated recording and multiple reading of information.

Advantages of RFID tags:

An RFID tag can be out of sight of the reader: tags can be installed covertly;
tags are easy to read, being oriented in space in any way;
The tag chip has an anti-collision function: a large number of tags can be read simultaneously;
RFID tags have an adhesive surface and are easy to apply;
RFID tags can be covered with a protective paper label (white or with a logo/barcode);
The RFID tag has a long service life and cannot be tampered with, making tagging a book in the library a one-time task.

Thus, RFID tags perform two important functions for libraries: identification of document copies and protection against unauthorized removal.

Universal RFID book issuing/tag programming station allows you to organize the issuance/reception of documents from library collections, programming and activation/deactivation of tags, as well as changing the status of a storage unit in an electronic catalog record. The station includes an RFID reader that transmits data to the ABIS, with a reading panel, a power supply and a cable for connecting to a computer. The number of stations must correspond to the number of librarians’ jobs serving readers. Functionsactivations and deactivations are built into the IRBIS implemented in the library. With the use of an RFID system, there is no longer any need to open the book, check the barcode and deactivate the anti-theft function - all this is done automatically in one step. You can process several books at the same time. Since the anti-theft function is built into the chip, while an object is being identified, the anti-theft area of the chip is deactivated. As a result, the processing time for materials is reduced and books are issued faster. In progressWhen issuing or receiving materials, the anti-theft function is activated or deactivated depending on the operation.

Books are identified using a unique digital code read from the memory of an electronic tag attached to a library document. The reader contains a transmitter and an antenna through which an electromagnetic field of a certain frequency is emitted (the accepted standard frequency is 13.56 MHz). RF tags that come within the range of the reading field “respond” with their own signal containing information (document identification number, user data, etc.). The signal is picked up by the reader's antenna, the information is decrypted and transmitted to the computer for processing.

Readers (card readers) – devices that read and write information on library cards. Readers are installed at automated positions of librarians serving users.

"Anti-theft gate" react to active RFID tags of documents that have not been deactivated at the book collection station and are not allowed to be taken out. The gates are controlled via a local area network using specialized software with full integration with ALIS installed in the library. The gate consists of several components: two antennas, a controller, sound and light alarm. The distance between antennas is not less than914 mm (in accordance with the requirements for wheelchair access).

The implementation of RFID technology in our library began in January 2013. The period for summing up the results is very short, but the transition period is always complex and connectedwith some problems that I would like to talk about in the next issue of the magazine.

AuthorNatalia Vladimirovna ABROSIMOVA, Deputy Director for Research, Yaroslavl Regional Universal Scientific Library named after. ON THE. Nekrasova

Nowadays RFID technology is increasingly interfering in a person’s daily life and providing many benefits. Nowadays, amazing opportunities are opening up for libraries. Despite the fact that RFID is essentially similar to barcoding technology, it is still the most convenient and beneficial due to the advantages it provides, for example, which are used everywhere.

Today, the barcode has become firmly entrenched in our lives and has been used by libraries for a long time. It allowed us to increase the speed of accepting and issuing books and significantly reduce the number of errors. Everything became possible because barcode technology allowed many processes that were previously done manually to be performed automatically. It would seem, what else is needed? But the advantages that barcode identification provided were not enough, since such serious problems as inventory and searching for stacked books remained unresolved. In addition, many libraries would like to organize open access, which entails organizing the protection of books from theft. But barcodes do not solve this problem.

Inventory speed

You can increase the speed of inventory through contactless remote identification of the fund. Manual inventory- This is a very long, labor-intensive process, since it is necessary to remove each book from the shelf, identify it and put it back in its place. What if the library's collection consists of millions of books? Imagine how much time you will need to spend on inventory. When it comes to overstuffed books, the situation is even worse, since manually searching for books on shelves becomes a big problem for employees, especially in large collections and open access systems, where readers can put books in the wrong places. It must be said that effective provision of fund security largely depends on the competent implementation of open access. For these purposes, not only a barcode, but also an anti-theft tag must be applied to the book, and book collection points must be equipped with deactivators.

The principle of RFID operation is as follows: a radio frequency tag is glued to a book, storing a unique identification code, which is recorded in the library's ILS for each book. When the tag is identified by the reader, information about the book is automatically transferred to the computer.

An important advantage of RFID is that the reader is able to receive information from several tags simultaneously. In addition, when reading the tag, it is not necessary to be in the line of sight of the reading device, which significantly reduces the book issuance time. The device will be able to read information from, say, 5 books with a library card and then link the books to this ticket, while deactivating the anti-theft function in the tags.

You can buy RFID from the Rfid-m company, the price of which will satisfy even small enterprises that need cost-effective devices.

The capabilities of RFID technology also help to significantly reduce inventory time, because... there is no need to take each book off the shelf and scan its barcode. All you have to do is walk along the shelves with the reader in your hands, and a report on the identified books will be transferred to the computer.

To protect the fund when organizing open access, you just need to install special anti-theft RFID gate. The radio frequency tag has a sector that is responsible for the anti-theft function. When books are issued, this function is deactivated, and when books are returned, on the contrary, it is activated. If a book is taken out through the RFID gate without authorization, a sound and light signal will sound. And if the gate is additionally connected to the automated information system, the computer screen will display information about who is taking out what books.

21.12.2014

What is RFID?

RFID – radio frequency identification. An RFID tag consists of a computer chip and an antenna, usually printed on paper or other flexible media. The simplest explanation: RFID is a barcode with a wireless electromagnetic RFID terminal. This is where all the similarities end, since RFID is a more advanced technology than barcodes. An RFID tag does not have to be in line of sight to be read, but can be read even if it is embedded in an object (for example: a book or packaging). At the same time, tags can contain much more complex information, unlike a barcode. When applied to a library, this could be the title of a book or its author. The volume of stored information is one of the features of RFID technology, which is constantly being improved.

The main thing to understand about RFID technology is that it is not one single technology. There are hundreds of different RFID solutions on the market at the same time, and more and more are constantly appearing. Technologies exist to automatically pay for cars on toll roads. There are technologies for entering a building when you need to swipe a card through a reader at the door or turnstile. There are chips for tracking animals on a farm or identifying lost animals. There are technologies used in warehouse management tasks and many other applications of RFID technology in various fields. These technologies are very different from each other, but everything works on the same principle. What changes is the volume of stored information, the range of the reader, the frequency at which the device operates, the physical size of the chip and, of course, the final cost. RFID tags used in libraries today are some of the simplest and cheapest, and even then, different RFID technologies can be used within the same library. For example, to read data about books on shelves, a short range of the reader is required to prevent erroneous reading of data from an adjacent shelf, and to read data in the delivery area to the client, it is better to use a longer range for maximum convenience.

Relevance of RFID in the Library

In connection with privacy issues, many librarians and libraries themselves are wondering: is it worth using RFID technology in the library at all? Now we can still ask ourselves this question, but in the future, most likely, we will, in any case, be dealing with RFID tags constantly, since this technology is constantly evolving and threatens to replace barcodes. Barcode technology is becoming a thing of the past like vinyl records, and libraries will have no choice but to use RFID instead of barcodes. Because of this, we cannot afford to simply ignore this technology, even if we do not support its implementation today.

When considering the need to implement any new technology in the library, we need to ask ourselves: “Why?” What is the motivation of libraries to implement this technology? What new will it give? The answer to this question is quite simple: libraries use new technologies because the environmental conditions that led to the development of new technology are also the conditions in which the library operates. With RFID technology, anyone involved in inventorying physical objects must do so at the item-by-item level as efficiently as possible and with minimal human intervention.

RFID is a very effective technology for tracking and managing large numbers of storage objects. It is also well suited for use in micropayment systems. One way or another, the introduction of radio frequency identification systems to replace barcodes will continue, primarily in the management of sales chains in retail, which in turn will entail an increasing penetration of the technology in other areas, including libraries.

RFID and core library activities

I think comparing RFID technology to barcodes is quite apt. It works quite well as an identifier, which is a very big advantage of using it in libraries. At the same time, there is a fundamental difference when using this technology in a library and in retail. In retail, RFID is used more as a one-time technology: the product was sold and the RFID chip was given away along with it. At the same time, books are returned back to the library, which makes the use of RFID even more justifiable.

Another important function that RFID tags can perform in a library is security. One of the options is to have a special bit indicating that the book has been registered to the reader and can be taken outside the building. Accordingly, if the book has not been registered to the reader, then when you try to enter outside the library, an alarm will sound. Another option: upon leaving the building, the library system checks all the books a reader has and checks them against the database. If any of the books has not been written down, an alarm is triggered.

Although this technology can be used to prevent theft, this does not mean that it is very secure. What is usually not mentioned when using RFID is that the system can easily be fooled by wrapping the book in thin aluminum foil or Mylar, which shields the object from electromagnetic radiation. Also, RFID tags are almost never hidden from readers and can simply be removed if desired. It should be understood that this is not a death sentence for this technology for use in library security systems, since in this application security systems were never the primary or most important factor. Alarms in the case of libraries are more of a social factor than real protection against theft. The reason for using RFID technology in security systems is not that it is better than others, but that it is no worse than existing ones. But there is one serious advantage: the same tag can be used for different purposes, which will reduce the overall costs of implementing and using this system. Some experts in the implementation of these systems see the final stage in the development of this direction - the creation of fully automated libraries, in which the reader comes, selects the books that interest him and simply walks out of the building with them, the same applies to returns.

Another problem when using barcodes is that they must be visible to the reader and operations can only be carried out with each object in turn; RFID technology does not have this drawback and allows batch processing of several books at a time. This advantage allows you to carry out inventories very quickly and accurately, since for this you do not need to take books from the shelves or read them one by one. In the library situation, technology makes it possible not only to do something more efficiently, but to do more. Although the use of RFID in libraries is still taking its first steps, a very large number of new directions have already been found that RFID technology allows for implementation. For example, developers offer systems that automate the process of sorting returned books for faster and more convenient return to their places on the shelves. Another option is systems that automatically track the location of books, the length of time they are in the hands of readers, and, if necessary, provide all the contact information if the book was not returned on time.

Rationale for use and return on investment

In commercial activities, such a parameter as profit from investment is always important. Any company, when investing its funds, expects an increase in profitability and compares them with the resources spent on introducing new technology. But it is necessary to understand that libraries are not commercial organizations, just like schools or public utilities. In this situation, the goal of introducing new technologies is to provide new services and strengthen existing ones. This aspect makes it very difficult to accurately justify the introduction of new technologies in such institutions.

One of the most important factors that the commercial approach to return on investment does not address is customer satisfaction. And precisely in the service sector and, accordingly, in libraries, consumer satisfaction is a factor showing the effectiveness of the activities of a given institution. The degree of satisfaction can be measured in various ways: direct number of visitors, assessment of the frequency of use of the services offered, and so on. In the case of libraries, many different and unforeseen nuances may arise; for example, users may feel that checking out books borrowed from the library on their own means shifting the librarian’s work onto their shoulders. Or perhaps visitors will want more human interaction rather than speed of service.

Conclusion

Whether your library is considering RFID technology in its operations, planning to use it, or you've decided it's not for you, it can't simply be ignored. In any case, RFID will likely already be built into the items your library plans to purchase in the future, such as smart cards or personal gadgets. It is already being considered for use in passports and payment systems. Therefore, RFID technology today is no longer something new or unusual and has become firmly established in our daily lives.