UHF RFID technology in the University of Michigan library application case
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The University of Michigan Grand Rapids Library is the first public library in North America to adopt an UHF RFID system. The installation of this system can increase the speed of book loan, return and registration, and improve the efficiency and safety of inventory management.
After years of research and development, the Grand Rapids Public Library successfully completed the implementation of the RFID system this month. In order to save labor costs and improve work efficiency, the Grand Rapids Library installed RIFD systems in its eight departments. The UHF RFID system includes fixed and hand-held RFID readers, UHF RFID tags and data management software compatible with existing book management systems. The EPC Gen 2 tags, readers and data software used in the system are all provided by eAgile, an RFID company in Michigan.
Grand Rapids claims to be the first public library in North America to adopt a UHF RFID system. Most libraries use high-frequency RIFD systems, which have a limited reading range. In order to ensure the accuracy of data reading, large-scale channel read-write antennas are generally installed at the entrance and exit.
Compared with the high frequency RFID system, the UHF RFID system has higher operating efficiency, less space and lower cost. With the installation of the UHF RFID system, the library can automatically register the books lent and returned, realize the simultaneous reading of multiple books, and increase the speed of borrowing registration. The “safe door” in the system can not only effectively identify unregistered books, but also provide staff with detailed information about unregistered books. In addition, the system can take inventory through handheld readers or carts equipped with RFID readers.
With the new system in place, eAgile is responsible for attaching RFID tags to all books and audiovisual materials in the library. A readable label code is printed on the RFID tag, and part of the code is used to mark the bookshelf. The unique code of the label is associated with the code of the book in the library’s open source system database. The customer puts the books to be lent to the cash register equipped with an RFID reader, and the reader will read the information on the book tag. Use a barcode scanner to scan the library card, and the customer account will be associated with the borrowed book information. Compared with high-frequency tags, UHF tags have a longer reading distance, and book tags have a larger recognition range.
The RFID system can also help customers find books, and the staff can find out the location of the books that customers are looking for by using handheld readers. Before leaving the library, customers must pass through the “security door” equipped with RFID readers. If customers carry unregistered books, the system will sound an alarm. Another function of the system is to handle registration procedures. With the use of the RFID system, when the customer returns the book, the reader reads the code of the book. The Evergreen software system has to update the current status of the book (on loan or in library) accordingly. The solution also includes an inventory check cart equipped with an RFID reader. The device includes a cart, an RFID reader and a notebook. The cart can be used to read all the book information in the library.
Of course, the RFID system has some limitations. For example, some books have metal foil on the surface, which may prevent the transmission of radio frequency signals. Currently, eAgile is developing a set of anti-metal tags.
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