RFID Implementation in IIT Madras: A Case Study Dr. Harish Chandra Librarian Indian Institute of Technology Madras URL:

Challenges  Expanding Electronic Information Environ.  Development of Information Infrastructure  Need for Web based Services  Resource Generation  Diversified User’s Information Thrust

Challenges  Explosive growth of Information  Resource Sharing and Collaboration  Industrial Interaction  Need for Quality based Services  Marketing of Library & Information Products

Challenges  Standardization  E-Collections Building  Digital Rights Management  Digital Preservation  Security in Digital Libraries

Motivations  Effective Transactions  Matchless Speed  Integrated Digital Library Environment  Ensures Operational Excellence  High Level Users Satisfaction  Thefts Control  Effective and Integrated Workflow

Motivations  Effective Security Control Mechanism  Time Saving  Promotes World Class Facilities  Increase Productivity  Improve Materials Handling  Long life Tag  Ensure Autonomy to Users

Motivations  Zero Repetitive Work  Reduced Bureaucracy  Instant Updating  Effective Rectification  Quick Stocktaking  Multiple Items are Read Simultaneously  Read and Write Function  Reduction in Queuing

Items Identified  RFID Tags  Counter Station: Controller with 15” Monitor, RFID Reader and Antenna, ELIMS Borrowing and Return Modules, ELIMS Tagging, Arm/Disarm Modules,  Library Security Gate: EAS Pedestal Security Gate, Strobe light, Alarm and Traffic Counter, ELIMS Security Detection Module

Items Identified Self Check Out Station: LCD Panel with Touch Screen, RFID Reader and Antenna, Smart Card Reader, ELIMS Borrowing, Return and Sorting Modules, Self Receipt Generator Book Drop Station: LCD Panel with Touch Screen, RFID Reader and Antenna for Loan Cancellation, Full height Floor Standing Cabinet, Trolley, ELMIS Book Drop Module, Self Receipt Generator

Radio Frequency Identification RFID is a method of remotely storing and retrieving data using devices called RFID tags. An RFID tag is a small object, such as an adhesive sticker, that can be attached to or incorporated into a product. RFID tags contain antennae to enable them to receive and respond to radio- frequency queries from an RFID transceiverantennae

Types of RFID tags Passive RFID tags do not have their own power supply: the minute electrical current induced in the antenna by the incoming radio-frequency scan provides enough power for the tag to send a response. Due to power and cost concerns, the response of a passive RFID tag is necessarily brief. Lack of its own power supply makes the device quite small: commercially available products exist that can be embedded under the skin. Passive tags have practical read ranges that vary from about 10 mm up to about 5 meters.

Types of RFID Tags Active RFID tags, on the other hand, must have a power source, and may have longer ranges and larger memories than passive tags, as well as the ability to store additional information sent by the transceiver. At present, the smallest active tags are about the size of a coin. Many active tags have practical ranges of tens of metres, and a battery life of up to several years.

Categorization of Tags  Low Frequency (125 to 134 KHz)  High Frequency (13.56 MHz)  Ultra High Frequency (868 to 956 MHz)  Microwave (2.45 GHz)

Application IIT Madras  Library Security  Transactions  Location of Publications  Users Autonomy  Users Dependent Services  Stock Management  Quality and Excellence in Services  Web-Interface

RFID Technology: Advantages  It has the capability for multiple applications  It provides effective and efficient library detection system  It has provided full autonomy to users in library transactions. They can issue and return the books as and when they need irrespective of the availability of staff

RFID Technology: Advantages  It has improved users satisfaction substantially  It has enhanced the security level of collections  It has removed various repetitive work carried out by the staff  It has enabled us to update the database in real time environment

RFID Technology: Advantages  It offers very high security. Each tag is identified by a Unique Identification Number (UIN), which can be either factory or manually programmed and then password protected. The excellence of this tag is that the data on the chip that uses sophisticated algorithm techniques cannot be duplicated or manipulated. Hence making it the perfect tool for Secure Access Control.

RFID Technology: Advantages  The potential problems associated with substandard print quality of barcodes, which in turn leads to scanning and reading problems  It has enabled self check in/Check out System

Implementation at IIT Madras Installation of Tagging Station  Identification of central place with AC  Working Hours 09AM to 09 PM for  Identification & Training of Staff  We tagged all returned books  Additionally from shelves  Work Register

Staff Engaged in RFID Tagging

Application: Electronic Book Drop

Guidelines  Book for Return Should have RFID Tag  Place Only one Item at a Time on the Book Platform  On seeing the Message, “ Please Drop Item Now”  Push the Book against the Flap & Drop into the Bin  Once You have return all Items, Press Receipt Button on Right Hand Side and Collect your Receipt

Self Check in/Check Out System

Guidelines  Book for Self Borrowing should have RFID Tag  Touch the Borrow Icon on the Screen  Place and Hold your Smart Card Near the Reader marked “Scan Card here”  You will see Your ID and Name on the Screen

Guidelines  Place the Books to be borrowed on Book Platform  Wait until the Loan is confirmed and you see a Message “ Item Checked Out”  Remove the Book and put another Book if any to be borrowed  Touch the Print Receipt or Exit Icon to get a Receipt of the Transaction

RFID Gates

Self / Stock Management System

RFID Tag

Contact less Smartcard enabled Access Control System

Capacity Building  Smart Card Preparation  Users Data base Creation  RFID Tagging  Revalidation of Data  Real-time Updatation

Capacity Building  Library Management Software  Integration  User Awareness Program  Site Preparation

Major Problems Faced  Lack of Trained Staff  Shortage of Staff  Leaving the Trained Staff  Removing Installed RFID Tags  Initial Activation problem in Tags  Training of Users and Staff

Our Strength  Pragmatic POSDCORB  Integrated Approach  Management Support  Technical Support  Staff Interest  Pilot Study  Machine Readable Database  Total Bar-coding

Conclusion Integration of RFID with digital libraries will ensure considerable security and facilitate the librarians and information scientists to provide more value added services to users community in digital environment and work comfortably for digital future.

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