Implementation of RfId Technology in Libraries - Research Paper Example

? Implementation of RfId Technology in Libraries Introduction a. What is RFID? RFID is the short form for Radio Frequency identification and through research; this technology has been found to be similar in application to the Bar Code identification systems though it exists in a more advanced form. This system uses the electromagnetic combination or on the other hand, the electrostatic combination in its Radio frequency segment in the transmission of detection signals through what is called the electromagnetic spectrum. A complete RFID system is quiet complex as it is composed of an antennae and the another component called the transceiver and these are responsible for the identification of the radio frequencies after which they transfer the information recognized to a central device which will in turn process such information (Ferrer, Dew and Apte, 2010). b. Its general use Generally, an RFID is an identification device that transforms the radio frequencies received through the antennae and a transceiver channels them for processing and then transmitting the processed information. In addition, the system has the ability of identifying the information due to its adoption of the semiconductors based technology. As opposed to other operations like the Bar Code reader, the RFID technology operates a wireless system in its identification of the objects and the people. c. Advantages of RFID for Libraries As a device used in the identification of objects RFID is applied in institutions, libraries included and it helps in the well-organized organization of the functions in the libraries such as the loaning and borrowing of books. RFID technology is used in the identification of the library books due to its high penetration and hence the ability to pass through the most bulky stuff. This technology is applicable in most libraries due to the onset of automation of the modern libraries requires them to be equipped with a recent form of identification technology an act done wholly by RFID as it is the most modern form of such a kind if identification. d. Objective This paper is formulated with the objective of exploring the factors that affect the implementation of RFID technology in Libraries either public or private. In addition, the paper will look at this by identifying the benefits of this form of technology to the libraries, then go to an extent of comparing these to the benefits, and make a decision. e. Motivation The development of technology and their applications to help make work easier in modern organization has motivated this research. Libraries have significantly remained in the rear in terms of equipment used in transmitting their services to the public and for effectiveness and usefulness in the classification of lent and borrowed books; the use of this knowledge is sought. The essay will begin by a foreword after which the synopsis of the knowledge is sought and after this, we will see the benefits of this technology to the libraries and couple with this is the identification of the obstacles faced when implementing this. A conclusion in form of decision or summary will ultimately follow. Overview of RFID technology Technological advancement is something good when it comes to the improvement required in performance and reduction of the costs. The development of this form of technology started all the way in 1945 when the British developed a simple form of the technology to help them in the identification of the aircrafts for the enemies and theirs. Between the 1960’s, and 70’s, the system was further developed for the security and safety of nuclear material and here the equipment and the personnel got tagged (Ngai et al, 2010). In 1977 this new knowledge was made for use by the civic sector, this was suggested by a group of conglomerates, and it is at this time and by the companies that several applications of this technology were explored. Partly, the motivation behind the development of the technology was the failure by the bar code in identification. In the 1980’s the applications only have to be improved in form of performance, cost reduction and reduction in size. The most recent development in the history of such devices is the competition faced by differentiation of different manufacturers. RFID is applied in the identification of objects and due to its ability of having a longer read distance and ability to read thick material makes it an application that can be applied in many sectors. It is used among others in the identification of fleet vehicles, differentiating objects from a far distance. In the libraries, the technology is quite helpful as it is used to make sure that the flow of books out of the library as they are borrowed and the inflow as they are returned is accurate, and this enhances both the competence and value of the library operations. This technology has though been threatened by the invasion of the professional ethics and lack of privacy and this is because of the comprehension of the essentiality of confidentiality. This is therefore an emerging issue as the library users urge the librarians to keep their information quite private. This is mainly possible through the adoption of policies, procedures and practices that are geared towards ensuring privacy and confidentiality of information by library users. Benefits of using RFID in libraries Both for financial and humane reasons, the use of RFID in modern libraries is unavoidable because the use of libraries has risen significantly over the recent past. The move is also propelled by the fact that the collections in the libraries have grown significantly together with the soaring of the labour costs and the redundancies of tasks making labourers toil on the same piece of work for a very long time (Butters, 2008). The activities in the libraries that attract the benefits of RFID are also quite a number including easement of circulation, inventory management and the processing of books in the library. Libraries have recorded a number of benefits due to the use of RFID some of which include a reduction in the injuries at the workplace. These injuries were caused by repetitive motions in the library and they resulted into a cost worth millions of dollars apart from the pain, limited physical range caused most so to the females who are part of the workforce in such libraries. By ensuring there is a tracking of movements there is the other benefit of facilitated self-check where an individual’s does not need the services of another in order to check out their books (Yu, 2007). This is because in checking out the books, the individual does not need to pass them at an angled as with the case with the bar code reader; here, they will only pass it through some range. The self-circulation system is quite simple such that the process is quick, simple and accurate enabling efficiency in the circulation of the library books through a simplification of the loan process and the increase in the speed at which the books circulate. RFID systems have the ability of improving the efficiency of the main practices carried out in any library and amplify the quality of service that is offered. In a library, the major practices that have been identified for improvement relate to quick detection of books on the shelf as well as stocktaking (Booke, 2011). The undertaking of looking for a particular book can often be wearisome, involving seeking out through a variety of shelves while tracing through book reference numbers that bear similarities. This is predominantly widespread in university libraries, where the reference numbers are long and difficult to remember, an example of this being the Library at the University of Ulster where books and reference numbers are retrieved from the keyword search, which is often extremely tedious (Curran and Porter, 2007). It is a fact that RFID can detect objects at a long range while identifying them without getting into contact with the same objects. Still can read the tags in multiple numbers and these makes the inventory management in the libraries so manageable that the users find it easy to gather information needed so fast. This act has as one of its advantages that of saving costs in terms of the work required, and this ensures that the books are saved from destruction. The books are therefore no longer moved to where they are by the human physically and if this happens then it happens at a very small rate. RFID has developed a measure that ensures that the ability to analyse and do a correction of library inventory is done without physically laying hands on the items. In line with the management of the library property, RFID has greatly helped libraries in the curb of theft through its high performance anti-theft technology. This technology has a very high understanding and precision. The system has the ability of screening an individual’s without their awareness and in case of any fraudulent behaviour, the security guards are notified for action (Chiagozie and Nwaji, 2012). The benefits of using RFID increases day by day and this have led to enormous research in order to develop models and frameworks to acquire implement and strengthen the system. The implementation of such a system most of the time requires that there is department uniqueness in the manner in which such implementation is handled. Libraries have become the main factor behind the development of RFID for the global marketplace because of the fact that they are the biggest users of this technology. While it is, a fact that this technology was first used in other areas of the industry, such as logistics, the automation of baggage in airlines and in the circulation of parcels. The leading role for libraries in the use of this technology seems to be understandable, since these institutions share their knowledge in the improvement of these systems, as well as the fact that they have also been of the greatest benefit to the library community (Herrick, 2008). It is important to know that the software, which is used to run the RFID system, was developed many years prior to its general usage and today it has become more refined. It is also an interesting fact that in countries with low labour costs, such as India, South Korea, and Singapore, these systems is also becoming popular and has come to be widely adopted by their populations (Kern, 2004). Obstacles to the Use of RFID in Libraries Privacy and Security It is evident that RFID play integral role in libraries. Despite the roster of RFID benefits that have been enumerated in the preceding section, there are known drawbacks and obstacles with regard to the use of RFID in libraries. First, one of the primary challenges in the use of RFID in libraries relates to security and potential misuse of the knowledge, serious security and privacy concerns about the use of RFID in libraries has been raised a major issue (Blansit, 2010). Although the use of RFID technology and its applications have been in existence for a long period, its use in the library is more recent. The fact that RFID is a more recent technology in library use poses greater security concerns and challenges, since it relies on the use of smart card in association with metal-oxide semiconductors and hence it can be cracked. It has therefore become a fact that the misuse, alteration and hacking of the RFID software in libraries is something that can happen. Because RFID, libraries are faced with the problem of ensuring and maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of library users. Because RFID rely on the above technology, the tags can be accessed and read by unauthorized persons and this can lead to privacy breach. Similarly, the improper implementation and use of the RFID technology in libraries, especially the RFID tags has the potential of compromising and jeopardizing the privacy of all users in the library. For instance, the accessibility of the RFID system can be compromised by blocking the radio signal by either aluminium foil or by sandwiching the tag with two items to cancel the signal from the radio (Singh and Midha, 2008). Libraries are faced with the challenge of ensuring the privacy of all library users amidst the increase use of RFID technology. Lack of Standards Another major obstacle with regard to the use of RFID technologies in libraries is standards since they have yet to be established and complemented in the library field. The inconsistency and non-uniformity in RFID standards have led to a situation where it is currently hard to purchase RFID systems that are tailored to a particular library (Butters, 2007). In the implementation and use of any technology in a field, standards plat crucial role in promoting the use of such technology over a wide area. The lacks of uniform RFID standards also pose challenge to the purchase of the RFID software from vendors (Ayre, 2012). High Cost Cost is another barrier that affects the implementation and use of RFID in libraries and it is a fact that its implementation and use are the major disadvantages and a primary obstacle. Despite the continued use and proliferation of RFID technologies in library, the cost, notably the upfront cost that is required to implement RFID is still high. The cost is even more expensive for libraries that have larger collections, usually extending beyond 100,000 items. Therefore, for libraries that have several collections, the implementation and use of RFID can be an arduous task in terms of the amount of money needed. Cost constraints can force a library with more collections to implement RFID in patches. The challenge of cost is further compounded by additional costs that are linked to the application software and other peripheral equipment. Furthermore, the production cost that is associated with RFID technology, especially the tag price is also another obstacle that presents serious challenges to the implementation and acceptance of RFID in most libraries. Conclusion At the click of a mouse, RFID systems have enabled book tracking, customer compliance and most importantly, the safety of library workers. With all the benefits RFID technology provides, it is no wonder most libraries in the world today are choosing to embed RFID tags in their books as well as developing their own RFID safety systems. Like many technologies today, once libraries adopt the use of RFID systems, it is often hard for them to go back to initial systems because of the current efficiency they experience. The impact of information technology advancement is currently evident in every sector and field across the world. RFID technology is becoming more pervasive in the education sector and it is widely being used in libraries and has become a boon to the field of library, especially in relation to securing and library resources, archives and materials. There is need for the development of RFID technologies and infrastructure that are less costly in order to enhance their use in libraries. It is evident that RFID use in libraries poses serious privacy and security implications hence their need for the development of advance security protocols and procedures that are aimed at protecting the privacy and confidentiality of library users. There is no doubt that RFID technology is going to take an integral role in most libraries in the world. References Ayre, L. B. (2012). RFID Standards. Library Technlogy Reports , 20-26. Blansit, B. D. (2010). RFID Terminology and Technology: Preparing to Evaluate RFID for Your Library. Journal of Electronic Resources Medical Libraries , 7 (4), 344-354. Booke, M. (2011). Radio frequency identification technology: How RFID tracks & logs fall protection equipment. ISHN,45(10), 64-64. Butters, A. (2008). RFID IN AUSTRALIAN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES: EXPLORING THE BARRIERS TO IMPLEMENTATION. Australian Academic & Research Libraries , 39 (3), 198-206. Butters, A. (2007). RFID systems, standards and privacy within libraries. Emarald Electronic Library , 25 (4), 430-439. Chiagozie, O. G., & Nwaji, O. G. (2012). Radio frequency identification (rfid) based attendance system with automatic door unit. Academic Research International, 2(2), 168-183. Curran, K., & Porter, M. (2007). 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