RFID for Libraries: A Practical Approach

RFID, the acronym for Radio Frequency Identification, is a technology that uses radio frequency wave transmission for identifying a person or object. The use of RFID by libraries over the last few years has grown drastically. Adoption of RFID technology has enabled the libraries to take the inventory of thousands of items in their collection within days instead of months. RFID has enabled the users to check-out and return library items by themselves automatically round the clock. Besides speedy checkouts, the RFID technology helps in keeping the library collections in proper order and saves the librarians from repetitive strain injuries. RFID provides better theft control, reduces non-returns and chances of mis-shelving of a library’s assets. This book examines what RFID technology is and how it works in the library scenario. The book reviews the development of RFID technology and its effects on library operations over the last couple of decades. An assessment of current implementation of the technology in libraries and the lessons learnt provide suggestions to overcome the issues faced at practical level in any library. The book also looks at the future technologies developing and how they might be applied in libraries. Presented from a library perspective this title will assist the library and information community in understanding RFID technology. The libraries planning to implement this technology can benefit from the authors’ rich and practical knowledge of the subject.

Neeraj Kumar Singh, Ph.D., is presently working as Assistant Librarian in A C Joshi Library, Panjab University, Chandigarh. He obtained M.Sc. (Chemistry) from Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur in 2001 and Masters’ of Library and Information Science from Delhi University in 2004. He did Ph.D. from Panjab University, Chandigarh on the topic “Radio Frequency Identification technology application in libraries and information centres of Northern India: A study”. He has been awarded the prestigious Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in 2012 and in 2017 at University of East London, London, UK. He has successfully completed international course on ICT from University of East London, London (recognized by the British Computer Society, London, UK) in 2012. In the year 2015, he was invited by University of California, Santa Cruz, USA to present paper in the International conference on “E-learning and Innovative Pedagogies”. Neeraj has been given following awards for his service to the university: • Awarded the prestigious Best Service Award by the Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, Chandigarh for developing the portal of Department of Chemistry, Panjab University in the year 2009; • Awarded by the Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, Chandigarh for developing the portal on Handling of Hazardous Materials, in the year 2011, and • Awarded by the then Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, Chandigarh on the occasion of the Teachers’ Day in the event organised by the Panjab University Teachers’ Association (PUTA) in the year 2013. He has more than thirty research papers in the International/National peer reviewed journals and conferences/seminars. Due to his expertise and knowledge he has been invited as a resource person in various national workshops/conferences/ training programmes organised by various reputed institutions such as NITTTR, Chandigarh, UGC Academic Staff College, PU, SPD-RUSA, Chandigarh, Zonal Institute of Education and training KVS, Chandigarh, Navodaya Leadership Institute, Chandigarh, Kurukshetra University, etc. He is also teaching PGDLAN, BLIS courses at USOL, PU and is the Academic Counsellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) regional centre at Panjab University, Chandigarh.