FAQs
What are the advantages of an RFID system?
Customer self-service puts routine jobs such as lending, return and account extension in the hands of the patron.
Customer service is improved, since waiting lines at the check-out/return desk are a thing of the past and patrons can return media independently of opening hours. Numerous library processes are simplified and there is more time for consultation. Inventory control is taken care of simply and quickly, making it easy to maintain order on the shelves. The security of all media is guaranteed. Automation saves time and relieves staff of monotonous routine activities.
The system offers users the greatest possible discretion when they check out and return media.
Can all media be fitted with RFID labels?
Yes. Book/video labels of credit card size are ideal for books, magazines, sheet music, media packages and AV media (except for CDs and DVDs). The RingLabel and the Complete Solution secure all forms of CD and DVD.
How much time does circulation using RFID actually save?
Even when handled over the counter with staff service, media circulation using RFID is between 25 and 75 percent faster than conventional barcode systems since the media can be circulated in stacks in a single action without the need for manual scanning.
How many labels can be converted in one day when changing over to RFID?
Using the BiblioMobile Converter, an average of 500 medias can be converted per working hour directly at the shelf. Ideally, two people will work together at one conversion station to share the jobs of withdrawing and returning the media and actually converting them. It is common practice to convert media while the library is in operation.
Why do most libraries limit stack circulation to a maximum of five media?
Limitation to five media mainly serves to make the check-out process more straightforward. If during check-out a medium is listed as not subject to circulation, the user has a more manageable stack of media so as to be able to find the medium in question.
The BiblioChip RFID system does not itself impose any limitation in terms of a specific number of media for stack circulation.
What information is stored on the chips?
Regardless of the data model, it is common practice to record the library ID and sometimes also the previous barcode number (item or media ID). Optionally, additional information can also be stored on the chip such as title, author, number of components in the case of media packages, location and other details. All data is saved in encrypted form. There is no general limitation in terms of data type or amount: Bibliotheca can store data on chips according to the requirements of the library. Under no circumstances are user data or check-outs saved on the chip. Direct association of media with users via the RFID chip is therefore impossible.
Is data protection ensured?
Yes. All data on the chips is stored in an encrypted format and can only be read with the appropriate reader, the same frequency and at the correct distance.
As before, user account management takes place in the library’s internal database and is not affected by RFID, so data protection is ensured as with all other library systems. Person-related data or check-outs are not saved on the chips. Direct association of media with users via the RFID chip is therefore impossible.
What interface protocols are there?
The BiblioChip RFID system supports SIP2 and NCIP (Automated Book Circulation). An overview of interface connections already implemented is to be found under Technology/LMS.
Which chip manufacturers does Bibliotheca work with?
Generally speaking, our transponders are fitted with RFID chips made by NXP, since these are in line with the latest technology and comply with all the well-known standards.
What standards does the BiblioChip RFID system comply with?
In terms of frequency and transmitting power, the FCC and CE standards are complied with.
Communication corresponds to guidelines ISO 15693, ISO 18000-3 and for the ID cards ISO 14443.
The BiblioChip RFID system is a non-proprietary, open RFID solution that supports independence from specific manufacturers, vendors and suppliers.
Our chips are compatible with ISO 15693. This is the definitive standard for fast and secure communication between transponders and readers. All Bibliotheca RFID components comply with this standard. Our RFID chips are always compatible with regard to hardware and software updates.
Communication with the library’s internal database is based on standardized SIP/NCIP or comparable interface protocols.
Data storage is based on ISO 28560 or country specific data models.
What is the Data Model?
The Data Model serves as a means of standardization of how RFID chips are formatted and how data is stored on the chips. This ensures that when libraries change their RFID supplier or RFID labels, they do not have to purchase new chips. Bibliotheca is a member of the commission which sets standards in Europe. For many years, Bibliotheca has actively supported standardization and was involved in the development of the so-called Danish Data Model and the ISO 28560 standard.
Which fields are recorded in connection with a Data Model?
The Data Model specifies certain required fields so as to ensure compatibility.
- Status AFI: provides information on current lending status and secures media when passing through the gate.
- Data model version: provides information on the data model version currently in use.
- Type of usage: provides information on the use of the medium/label.
- Parts in item: provides information on the number of components of a media package.
- Part number: specifies the component number of a media package.
- Primary item ID: is a distinct number for item identification.
- CRC: Check total to verify data.
- Country of owner library: Specific national code for remote lending purposes.
- Owner library: Library-specific code for remote lending according to ISO/FDIS 15511 (ISIL).
Why does Bibliotheca support the use and certification of the Data Model?
Libraries and their systems are geared towards long-term use. For this reason, the utilization of non-proprietary, standardized RFID systems should be promoted so as to avoid dependency on specific providers and manufacturers. However, it should still be possible to integrate short-term and long-term developments occurring within the RFID sector when updating library systems. Since library budgets are limited, careful consideration must be given to which memory sizes are really necessary to operate the system. The data quantity should be precisely defined to as to be able to use chips which are as small as possible. When chips of different manufacturers are used, media should still be able to pass through the gate securely. For this reason, all chips have to be compatible with each other. What is more, chip technology should not impose any limitations on interlibrary loan. The ideal situation is when the definition of data storage is structured identically for all libraries, and number assignment is as straightforward as possible from an administrative point of view.
What does AFI mean?
AFI stands for Application Family Identifier. It is a byte on a chip which forms part of ISO standard 18000-3 and which is used in the Data Model as a security byte. Uniform use of the AFI byte ensures that the security function for passing through the gate is compatible in the RFID chips of different manufacturers.
What does EAS mean?
EAS normally stands for Electronic Article Surveillance and is a form of media security which is independent of RFID standards.
There is also the EAS bit which – like the AFI byte - is part of an RFID. However, the use of this EAS bit does not ensure an open RFID solution. An alarm can be triggered in the gate, but a simple listing of the items triggering the alarm cannot be generated.