کتابداران کارشناسی ارشد همدان

1. A tag

A microchip that holds the information on a unique item, is attached to an antenna, which is coiled round the chip; together these are called an RFID transponder or an RFID tag.

2. An antenna.

The antenna enables the chip to transmit the identification information to a reader.

3. A reader.

The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information that can then be passed on to the library computers with the appropriate software that can make use of it.

13.56MHz is the wavelength normally used in libraries. However, there is also UHF (ultra high frequency) which offers easier shelf management and wider security gate corridors.

Middleware

Middleware is the software that is used to filter RFID data and pass on useful information to enterprise software applications for further processing. The more information needed on a tag the greater its memory and therefore cost.

Tags

The tag usually has a range of 3ft/1m. Each RFID tag can be programmed either by the supplier or the institution. Library tags usually have 256 bits of information, which is adequate for most libraries’ purposes. Tags are either passive or active. The usual library type of tag is passive where the tag does not have a power source and does not transmit any information until it receives radio waves from a reader. The performance of the tags can to a great extent determine the performance of the whole RFID system.
Tags are attached to library stock; these store a unique identifier and the bibliographic data of each item. This can then be read by the terminals and hand-held readers (sometimes called Digital Library Assistants). Reading a tag does not need line of sight. The security code is rewritten when a book is loaned out and changed again when returned.

Tag performance issues

• Tag quality. This does vary, so check projected lifetimes against actual performance.

• Vulnerability. Can users defeat the system by covering tags with material which blocks the radio waves?

• Precision. Some have questioned the technology’s precision in finding lost items

• Audio-visual. CDs, DVDS, videos - how well do the tags work on these items?

• Security. There are three methods used:
o Database hook-up – there can be a problem with large quantities of items
o AFI (Application Family Identifier)
o EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) – readers detect only items that have not been checked out, there could be a problem with interoperability.
Which is best for you?

Will your RFID be compatible with other technology you are currently using and wish to retain, such as Library Management Systems or security systems?

Standards

There are many more complex issues involved in the technical specifications of different RFID systems.

• ISO/IEC 15963:2004 describes numbering systems that are available for the identification of RF tags.
• SIP2 – self-service standard needs to be compatible with your LMS
• Currently there are national standards and there is work on developing international standards for RFID in libraries, to avoid manufacturers developing their products in different ways. This is important if you need to migrate one system to another in the future