This academic year, the TSU Research Library will switch to RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification) for serving users. Soon, readers will be able to independently, without library staff, take and return books from the reading rooms using a self-service station, smart shelves, and a book reporter, available around the clock.
- The introduction of RFID technology to the service process is one of the steps towards digital transformation, turning ours into a smart library, - explained Mikhail Shepel, the Research Library director. - Ideally, this technology allows us to achieve completely self-servicing readers. In 2017, we tried it, opening our branch at the Institute of Economics and Management. By December of this year we plan to launch a full cycle of contactless work in the main building of the library.
The system is being introduced in stages: the preparation of reading funds for RFID technology is currently being intensively carried out. Library staff are reviewing the fund, sticking new tags on books, and writing down information about the book (date of issue, title, and anti-theft sign). The library considers the convenient arrangement of equipment. The self-service station is located on the second floor of the new building, in the hall near the subscription desk. Already, you can use its two functions: view your personal account (a list of books issued, charges, and information about a library card) and extend the books issued. In the near future, readers will be able to independently receive books from the reading room fund through a self-service station.
RFID technology helps to save the time of library users and to eliminate queues at a delivery desk. This is especially important considering the fact that on average 1,000 people visit the library per day. At any time, around the clock, the reader will be able to independently return a book without even entering the library, at a place near the entrance. Smart shelves will be additionally installed at the subscription desk and in the Information Center 24/7 for the same purpose. They also work according to the principle “came - placed the books – left the library”: the book put on the shelf is automatically removed from the electronic record of the reader and becomes available to others.
RFID technology is a contactless data exchange technology based on the use of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation. RFID is used to automatically identify and record objects.
