International Journal of Information Movement Vol.

9 Issue X (February 2025)

Website: www.ijim.in ISSN: 2456-0553 (online) Pages 14-20

REVOLUTIONIZING LIBRARY MANAGEMENT: RFID

TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION AT M/S.
MOHAMED SATHAK A.J. COLLEGE OF
ENGINEERING: AN PROPOSAL OUTLINE
Sudhakar Sundararajan
Chief Librarian
Mohamed Sathak AJ College of Engineering, Chennai.
Email id :- [email protected]

Kamarajan M
Asst. Professor, ECE
Mohamed Sathak AJ College of Engineering, Chennai.
Email id:- [email protected]

and
Srinivasan K.S
Professor, ECE
Mohamed Sathak AJ College of Engineering, Chennai.
Email id:- [email protected]
__________________________________________________________________________________
Abstract: The library is the heart of any academic institution, providing students and faculty with essential
resources. However, managing a library comes with challenges. Inefficient processes can slow down operations,
leading to frustration and lost opportunities. By implementing RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology,
M/s. Mohamed Sathak A.J. College of Engineering can address these issues. RFID enhances both efficiency and
security, making library management smoother and more reliable. Electromagnetic Security Systems offer a
comprehensive solution, combining advanced tracking capabilities with theft prevention measures. This proposal
outlines how these systems can transform the college library experience.

Keywords: Database Management, Library Management System, RFID, RFID reader, RFID Tag, RFID
Technology.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
1.0 Introduction
In an era characterized by rapid technological advancement, libraries face the on-going challenge of securing their
collections while enhancing user experience. “This proposal aims to explore the implementation of Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) technology” (Gnapathy, 2021) at M/s. Mohamed Sathak A.J. College of
Engineering Central Library, a system poised to revolutionize traditional library management. By integrating
RFID with electromagnetic security systems, the library can not only streamline its inventory processes but also
effectively prevent unauthorized access and theft of materials. The adoption of this innovative technology
promises to reduce check-in and check-out times, enable patrons to locate resources with ease, fostering a more
efficient environment conducive to academic success. As the library evolves to meet the contemporary needs of
its users, the implementation of RFID stands out as a crucial step towards modernizing services and securing vital
educational assets.
1.1 About the Mohamed Sathak A.J College of Engineering, Central Library
Mohamed Sathak AJ College of Engineering was founded in 2001 and has since become a well-known name in
India's technical education market. The College was situated inside the Sirucheri IT Park in the bustling area of
South Chennai. The college is committed to promoting technological and engineering innovation and excellence.
The College provides a wide range of undergraduate B.E and B. Tech and Post graduate programs with a focus
on both academic understanding and real-world application. More than 29,000 text and reference books are in the
library's collection.

2.0 Overview of RFID Technology and Its Relevance to Library Management

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Sudhakar Sundararajan, Kamarajan M and Srinivasan K.S : - Revolutionizing Library Management: RFID Technology
Implementation at M/s. Mohamed Sathak A.J. College of Engineering: An Proposal Outline
 International Journal of Information Movement Vol. 9 Issue X (February 2025)
Website: www.ijim.in ISSN: 2456-0553 (online) Pages 14-20

The term RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification Technology, which is a distinct technology that uses
magnetic fields to track items, products, or objects. This RFID technology represents a significant advancement
in library management, enhancing both operational efficiency and user experience. RFID is an automatic radio
communication technology that uses wireless radio signals to identify specific documents. Its basic components
include a reader (or interrogator) and a radio frequency (RF) transponder that transfers data by emitting
electromagnetic waves. This capability allows library staff to provide more value-added services to patrons
(Nirmalendu Pal & Ajay Kumar Sharma, 2017). By enabling RFID technology, libraries can achieve real-time
tracking of library materials during check-in and check-out processes, ensuring accurate information about the
location of items within the facility (Ahmad, 2019). RFID systems significantly reduce the time and manpower
traditionally needed for inventory checks, which can often be cumbersome and error-prone, thus enhancing the
services offered to patrons.
Furthermore, implementing RFID can streamline circulation processes, allowing patrons to self-check-out and
return items without human intervention. This not only speeds up service but also improves circulation statistics
and creates a more engaging environment. (Wang, 2018) Additionally, this technology helps control theft of
library materials. Overall, integrating RFID technology is not merely a trend but a strategic enhancement for
library management systems, particularly for institutions such as M/s. Mohamed Sathak A.J. College of
Engineering Central Library.

3.0 Key modules of RFID Library Management System

Fig 1: Design of Key Modules

4.0 Benefits of RFID Technology in Library

There are numerous benefits to integrating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology into library
management, which improve user experience and operational effectiveness. (Bibliotheca) Primarily, RFID
enables automated checkouts and returns, dramatically reducing waiting time for patrons and freeing up librarians
for more value-added tasks such as personalized assistance and information literacy programs. This technology
also facilitates better inventory management by allowing libraries to conduct shelf readings and audits swiftly and
accurately, thus minimizing losses due to theft or misplacement of materials.
Furthermore, RFID systems improve the security of library collections by integrating electronic anti-theft
mechanisms, which discourage unauthorized removals while simultaneously simplifying the overall management
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Implementation at M/s. Mohamed Sathak A.J. College of Engineering: An Proposal Outline
 International Journal of Information Movement Vol. 9 Issue X (February 2025)
Website: www.ijim.in ISSN: 2456-0553 (online) Pages 14-20

of library assets. (Shabinar Binti, 2012) RIFD tag life durable, updateable, its support all latest library open-source
software likes Koha and SLIMS. This RFID tag, chips help to data storage & reprogrammable memory allows to
record information such as location of books in the library, statistics information. As a result, the adoption of
RFID not only streamlines library operations but also enhances the overall service experience for users, making
it a critical consideration for modern library management. (Pawan Agrawal, 2024

5.0 Enhanced Inventory Management and Tracking of Library Resources

Incorporating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology into the inventory management system of M/s.
Mohamed Sathak A.J. College of Engineering Central Library offers substantial benefits for tracking library
resources. By utilizing RFID tags, each item can be uniquely identified and monitored, thereby enhancing the
accuracy and efficiency of inventory assessments. This technology streamlines the check-in and check-out
processes, reducing human error and ensuring that library materials are accurately. (Datta, Solanke, 2021)

Additionally, RFID technology facilitate real-time inventory audits, enabling library staff to quickly locate
misplaced items and manage stock levels effectively. Such enhancements not only improve user experience by
minimizing wait times but also contribute to better resource management overall. The transition to RFID
technology can ultimately result in a more organized collection, thereby fostering an environment conducive to
learning and research. (Sharma AK, 2017).

6.0 RFID Based Library Management

Fig 2: RFID Library Management system

7.0 Components of RFID Library Management System
• RFID Tag: Small devices attached to books, User ID Card and other library materials for unique
identification.
• RFID Readers: Equipment that communicates with tags by sending out radio waves and read the data
from RFID tags during book check in and out. Also, it can read several tags simultaneously.
• Self-Checkout Stations: Automated kiosks where patrons can check out or return books independently.
The stations will read RFID tags, process transactions, and update the library database instantly.
• Inventory Management System: A software system integrated with RFID technology to manage
inventory. It will allow library staff to perform stock audits efficiently by simply scanning a section of
books rather than manually checking each item.

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Sudhakar Sundararajan, Kamarajan M and Srinivasan K.S : - Revolutionizing Library Management: RFID Technology
Implementation at M/s. Mohamed Sathak A.J. College of Engineering: An Proposal Outline
 International Journal of Information Movement Vol. 9 Issue X (February 2025)
Website: www.ijim.in ISSN: 2456-0553 (online) Pages 14-20

• Security Gates: RFID-based security gates at the entrance and exit will detect unauthorized movement
of books, ensuring that items are properly checked out before being removed from the library.
• Middleware: The middleware will interface between the RFID hardware (tags, readers, and security
gates) and the library management system, ensuring that all data is processed and synchronized with the
library’s existing database.
• Software: Manages inventory, circulation, and security settings.

8.0 Data Flow and Communication protocol

Fig 3: Data flow

The RFID reader activates the tag. The system captures the tag data and transfers it. Then the database updated
with the information

9.0 Detailed process flow implementation

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Sudhakar Sundararajan, Kamarajan M and Srinivasan K.S : - Revolutionizing Library Management: RFID Technology
Implementation at M/s. Mohamed Sathak A.J. College of Engineering: An Proposal Outline
 International Journal of Information Movement Vol. 9 Issue X (February 2025)
Website: www.ijim.in ISSN: 2456-0553 (online) Pages 14-20

Fig 5: Flow diagram for returning the books

10.0 Case Study: Successful RFID Implementations in Other Institution:

Many academic libraries have experienced remarkable success by integrating RFID technology. A compelling
case study by (Anandhi and Sarangapani Ramasamy, 2021) highlights the benefits observed at M/s. Arignar Anna
Central Library, Bharathiar University in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. After implementing RFID systems, the library
significantly boosted its operational efficiency and enhanced safety measures. This innovative technology
dramatically reduced the time required for circulation tasks, such as check-in and check-out, and streamlined stock
verification processes. Furthermore, it minimized the need for staff resources, making it easier to locate misplaced
materials and effectively preventing losses of library resources. The positive outcomes from this implementation
not only demonstrate the transformative potential of RFID technology but also position M/s. Mohamed Sathak AJ
College of Engineering as a promising candidate for similar advancements. Embracing RFID could unlock
unprecedented efficiency and security for their library services.

11.0 Budget Estimation

The estimated budget for implementing RFID technology includes the following components
Item Cost Estimate
RFID Tags (per book) ₹.7 to ₹.80 (₹ 10,000 Appx.)

RFID Readers (Can assemble) ₹10,000 - ₹ 50,00,000

Self-Checkout Stations ₹20,000 - ₹ 1,00,000 (if need)

Security Gates ₹50,000 - ₹3,00,000

Middleware and Software Integration ₹5,000 - ₹10,000 (Koha enable software – No-Need)

Training and Support NIL

Miscellaneous (wiring, setup, etc.) ₹ 20,000

Total Estimated Cost ₹ 1,00,000

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Implementation at M/s. Mohamed Sathak A.J. College of Engineering: An Proposal Outline
 International Journal of Information Movement Vol. 9 Issue X (February 2025)
Website: www.ijim.in ISSN: 2456-0553 (online) Pages 14-20

12.0 Implementation Challenges and Solutions

As M/s. Mohamed Sathak A.J. College of Engineering Central Library considers the implementation of RFID
technology through electromagnetic security systems, it must navigate a range of challenges that can significantly
impact the successful deployment of this innovative solution. Key obstacles include the initial financial
investment, the need for staff training, and concerns regarding data privacy and system interoperability. To address
these issues effectively, a phased implementation plan is recommended, which allows for the gradual integration
of RFID systems alongside existing library management practices. This approach can facilitate smoother
transitions and lower costs by spreading expenses over time.
Additionally, investing in comprehensive training programs will empower staff to utilize the new system
efficiently and alleviate concerns about security breaches. By proactively identifying potential hurdles and crafting
targeted solutions, the library can enhance its operational efficiency while ensuring user satisfaction and security.
13.0 Conclusion:
Implementing RFID technology at M/s. Mohamed Sathak A.J. College of Engineering’s library promises
substantial benefits to improved efficiency, cost savings, faster service, better inventory management, and enhanced
security. Investing in RFID Technology for a Modernized Library Investing in RFID technology is a forward-thinking
step. It modernizes library management and improves experiences for both staff and patrons. Adopting this
technology will ensure the college library remains a vital resource in the academic community has revolutionized
library management. It has streamlined operations, improved enhanced the overall user experience. The college
library is now equipped with advanced features such as self-checkout stations, RFID scanners, and a digital
catalogue, bringing it on par with modern library standards. This technology-driven approach ensures that the
library remains a valuable resource for the entire college community.

14.0 References:
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Implementation at M/s. Mohamed Sathak A.J. College of Engineering: An Proposal Outline
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Implementation at M/s. Mohamed Sathak A.J. College of Engineering: An Proposal Outline