11 th International CALIBER-2017 RFID Technology at Mahatma Gandhi University...

RFID Technology at Mahatma Gandhi University

Library: A Case Study
Shaini Gopinath A
Abstract

For increasing the quality of service and efficiency of operation new technologies has always been
interest for librarians. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is proven to be a promis-
ing alternative in relieving the library staff from time consuming. This paper aims to access and
evaluate the use of RFID by the research scholars of the Mahatma Gandhi University. Survey method
was employed for data collection using questionnaire technique. The study found that users have a
positive attitude towards the implementation of RFID in the library. The study will provide new
insight for other libraries to implement RFID systems.

Keywords: ICT, RFID, Barcode, Mahatma Gandhi University, Research Scholars

1. Introduction capture without the need of direct contact. More

precisely it can be described as a revolutionary
Library or Information centre as it is called today is
Application of Automatic Identification and Data
an integral component of any high quality research
Capture (AIDC) technology. It is in use since 1970s,
and teaching institution. Therefore the various
whereas libraries began using RFID in the late 1990s,
information and knowledge services that it offers
in order to replace electromagnetic and barcode
constructively contribute in shaping the scientists
technology. It uses wireless radio communication
or researchers of tomorrow. Technology is playing
for unique identification of people or asset that
a central role in every walks of life. From the
provides accurate and timely information without
traditional library services till the present scenario,
human intervention. (Kumar and Kaur, 2010).
several technologies have been deployed in order
to maintain the competitive circumference. RFID is an innovative automated library system for
Advancements in Information Communication and identification and tracking of library materials. RFID
Technology (ICT) have opened up many new can be used, library circulation operations and theft
frontiers for librarians to work on and Radio detection systems. RFID based systems move
Frequency Identification Technique (RFID) is one beyond security to become tracking systems that
such technique widely being applied. combine security with more efficient tracking of
materials throughout the library, including easier and
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identifier. RFID is
faster charge and discharge, inventorying, and
a combination of radio frequency and microchip. It
material handling. (Boss, 2004). This technology is
is the latest technology for identification and data
not new in the field of Library and Information
11 th International CALIBER-2017
Science but rapidly, growth of literature in different
Anna University,Chennai, Tamil Nadu 02-04 August, 2017
© INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat disciplines arises security problems and which in

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turn change the role of practicing librarianship in 2. Literature Review

the business of moving books. RFID provides a
New technologies are creating new opportunities
solution for security of library materials. It is
for libraries. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
emerging more effective, time saving, convenient is an upcoming technology which has recently
and cost effective technology. The concept of RFID attracted the interest of the research community
can be simplified to that of an electronic barcode because of the astonishing benefits it offers over
and can be used to identify, track, sort or detect the other existing identification and data capturing
library holdings at the circulation desk and in daily technologies. Several related studies have been
stock maintenance The main aim for today’s libraries carried out by the academic community which
in adopting RFID is to improve library operations devoted to the technical improvement of RFID
by increasing the efficiency of library transactions, technologies. Dipti and Sharma (2015); Neeraj and
reducing workplace injuries and improving services Preeti (2014); Sunaia (2014); Shamshul and Amir
for library users. It helps the librarian in providing (2013); Hasan (2012); Subash (2012); Sadiq and
Amina (2012); Sanku and Moutusi (2011);
the users with optimum utilization of available
Mamadpurapur and Rajgoli (2011); Kumar and Kaur
resources. (Dipti and Sharma, 2015).
(2010); Boss (2004); Ayre (2004); etc. have studied
Mahatma Gandhi (M G) University library is well different aspects of RFID application, awareness use
equipped with modern facilities and resources. The etc. The present study is an attempt to analyze the
library plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective use and importance of RFID by the research scholars
flow of information and data to the academic of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala.
community. The implementation of RFID technology 3. Significance of the Study
in Mahatma Gandhi University Library has given
This research study was undertaken to
new dimensions to the library and is helpful for the comprehensively assess the role being played by
user community foolproof security, access control the University Library in addressing the various
and proper holding management. RFID is applied to information requirements of researchers as well as
various areas in library such as automated check in/ identify the critical gaps with a view to improve the
check-out (without the intervention of library staff, services of library. Specifically, the findings from
theft detection, stock verification, shelf rectification this study would provide the authorities on how
etc and it can be extended to many more areas in their users perceived their circulation services
near future. The Electronic Security System is one especially with regards the RFID system. It is also
of the fastest growing and most valuable hoped that the findings of the study would lead to
technologies being adopted by academic library for improvement of the provision of better efficient
circulation system in Mahatma Gandhi University
increasing efficiency and improving the safety,
Library and also ensure the satisfaction of the user’s
security, productivity, accuracy and convenience.
use of the RFID.
The present study is an attempt to analyze the use
of RFID by the research scholars of Mahatma Gandhi 4. Scope and Limitations
University and to find the problems and constraints Mahatma Gandhi University is a reputed institution
faced by the research scholars in using it. conducting research programmes. The university
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library has an important role in providing modern the raw data and were administered directly to the
facilities. University library is using RFID for their research scholars to know the usage of Radio
regular activities like circulation, shelf management, Frequency Identifier System (RFID). The study was
stock verification, shelf rectification theft detection confined to fulltime science research scholars of
etc. The present study is conducted to know the Mahatma Gandhi University. 85 questionnaires were
use of RFID system and the problems faced by personally handed over to the research scholars of
research scholars in the library during the charging various departments of Mahatma Gandhi University
and discharging of the books. and 80 were received back with a response rate of 94
percent. The collected data were tabulated, analyzed
Scope of the study is limited to the research scholars
and presented in the form of tables. Suitable
of Mahatma Gandhi University. The present study
statistical techniques were also applied on relevant
admits two limitations. Though there are full-time/
areas.
part time/FDP (Faculty Development Program)
research scholars, the present study is confined on 7. Results and Discussion
to the full time research scholars which forms as
The major purpose of any piece of work is not more
first limitation of the study. Secondly little effort had
collection of facts and Figures, but the drawing of
been taken in the analysis of subject wise distribution
some valuable and useful inferences. The data
of responses.
collected from the research scholars are analysed
5. Objectives of the study and presented in the below section.

1. To assess the awareness about RFID 7.1 Awareness about RFID among Students
technology by the research scholars.
The awareness about any system plays a great role
2. To identify the benefits of RFID technology in in determining the status of library among the users.
comparative to the previous system. Analysis of data regarding awareness of research
3. To evaluate the usage of RFID technology in scholars about RFID is shown in Figure 1.
M G University Library.
4. To know the satisfaction level and problems
faced by the research scholars at the time of
charging and discharging
5. To know the user awareness programs provided
by the library.
6. To find out impact of RFID technologies on
libraries

6. Research Design

A well-structured questionnaire was designed

covering the relevant aspects of the study to collect Figure 1: Awarness about RFID

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The foresaid Figure 1 show that 61.25 per cent of

the research scholars are aware about the new
system of Library and 38.75per cent among them
are not aware about the Radio Frequency Identifier
system of Library. As a result it is obvious that
research scholars are aware and there is an urgent
need to provide necessary programs to explore the
use of RFID in the library, so majority of the users
should be benefited.

7.2. Awareness about RFID working

Figure 3: Orientation about RFID
The researches were asked to indicate their
awareness about the working of the RFID system From the Figure 3 it is evident that a vast majority of
and the data received is illustrated in the Figure 2. the respondents (72.50%) haven’t given the
orientation and only 27.50 per cent among them have
given the orientation. It is also observed that users
were not getting the proper guidance and orientation
about its usage. The new techniques for the
transformation of RFID uses are given to the students
time to time

7.4. Usage of RFID Issue/Return

Regarding the check in/check out process of RFID

by the research scholars, their views are summarised
Figure 2: Awareness about RFID working
here. The analysis of data in Figure 4 shows the
Data presented in the Figure 2 indicates the response of the research scholars with regard to
awareness of RFID implementation. It is found that RFID issue/return of books.
35 per cent of the research scholars are unaware
about its working and 65 per cent are aware about
its working.

7.3. User Orientation about RFID

To study the importance of RFID, respondents were

asked whether they have given orientation about
its working and the responses are shown in the
following Figure 3.

Figure 4: RFID issue/return

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Figure 4 shows the usage of the RFID system for

issue and return of the books. The study reveals
that 60 per cent of the research scholars’ use the
system and 40 per cent are not using the system for
charging and discharging of books. Hence from the
study it is clearly understood that the library staff
should guide the research scholars, how to use the
RFID system.

7.5. Comparison with earlier System Figure 6: Time consuming

Respondents were asked to compare the use and Analysis of data presented the Figure 6 shows the
benefit of the new system implemented in the library general satisfaction derived from using the RFID
with the previous mode of system and the responses system. For the statement whether ease of use,
received is summarised here. analysis reveals, it is a time overwhelming system.
Majority 62.5per cent of the users are more satisfied
as it helps in saving their time whereas 37.5per cent
does not found it time saving device. The use of
RFID reduces the amount of time required to perform
circulation operation.

7.7. Awareness about Self check in/checkout

How far the research scholars are aware about self

check in/checkout were ascertained and the result
Figure 5: RFID comparison of the analysis is given below.

From the analysis of data shown in Figure 5 it is

understood that RFID system is useful to a certain
extent than the previous one. The Figure 5 portrays
that a fair majority of the research scholars (73.75%)
are in their views that it is more favourable system
and only 26.25per cent are not satisfied.

7.6. Whether Time Consuming

Research scholars were asked to provide their

opinion whether the new system implemented in the Figure 7: Awareness about checkin/checkout
university library reduced queues and waiting times Figure 7 indicates the self checkout and self check
that reduced the amount of time required for in of books. Majority of the research scholars
circulation. (66.25%) are aware about the shelf checkout and
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check in of books whereas 33.75per cent are still not analysis as presented in Figure 6 indicated the
aware about how to use the system. It is found that general satisfaction derived from using the system.
a lot of expansion has been occurred in self checkout
and check in of books. However heavy rush of users
has been reduced at the circulation counter with the
implementation of RFID.

7.8. Reduce Book Theft

Research scholars were asked to provide their

opinion whether the system is good in finding the
theft inside the library. Figure 8 indicates the general
opinion received from the research scholars.
Figure 9: Satisfaction with RFID

The data given in Figure 9 furnishes details about

the satisfaction of research scholars with the RFID
system. It is observed that 75per cent of research
scholars are satisfied with this new system as they
found it more convenient, less time consuming and
the work can be done speedily and at ease. But still
25 per cent research scholars who are not yet
satisfied. Library management should be given
orientation to students and make them aware about
it.
Figure 8: Booktheft
7.10. Problems in using RFID
RFID system controls the security system for the
There are various problems associated with the use
library. The data illustrated in Figure 8 reveals that
of RFID. To study these respondents were asked
71.25 per cent students found it more helpful in
whether they come across any problem while using
reducing book thefts while 28.75 per cent responded
RFID for self check in and checks out of the book in
negatively in this regard. This shows that it solves
the library.
the problem of the libraries.

7.9. Satisfaction with RFID

Research scholars were asked to provide their

opinion regarding the level of satisfaction in using
the RFID technology in the university library in
meeting their information needs. The result of

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library should organize orientation/training

programmes and make it obligatory for all the
research scholars to attend the same, so that
maximum number of them can learn how to use RFID
system. The study also found that RFID provides
benefit to users at a certain cost rather their previous
system, by implementing the self check system to
borrow or return books that definitely reduced
queues and waiting times for users that reduced the
Figure 10: Awareness about checkin/checkout amount of time required for circulation. Based on
It can be observed from Figure 10 that large majority the findings it is suggested that even though the
(86.25%) of the research scholars found the system location of the system is console that provides
more useful and do not face any problem while using independent operation book drops needed outside
the system. Very few face the problem while using the library since users can drop books even if the
the RFID system library is closed which make much more convenient
for users. Hence the study can be concluded that
8. Conclusion research scholars of Mahatma Gandhi University
Librarians are always known as early adopters of not only make out the RFID system as a beneficial
technology and they have started using RFID to system but also gain positive experience in using it
provide more effective and efficient circulation and have a positive attitude towards the
services as well as for security of library collections. implementation of the system in the University
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