Labels for Media Management.
We offer barcode and RFID-enabled labels for management of media such as library books, DVDs, CDs, books on tape, and video games. Our labels last the life of the items and use acid-free adhesive to ensure no damage.
Long Lasting.
Library items change hands often and can be in circulation for decades. Eliminate the need to replace labels for the life of the item.
Inventory Made Easy.
Use RFID-enabled media labels to easily identify where items are in circulation and track availability.
Unique and Flexible.
Labels can be configured and designed to meet an individual library’s needs depending on the item and the library’s available resources.
RFID and Barcode Labels
Our RFID labels are designed for inventory management of books, DVDs, CDs, books on tape, and video games, as well as any other item in circulation. We worked with the Library of Congress to develop RFID labels with the correct ink, adhesive, and base stock to last a lifetime.
NFC technology in libraries, particularly for managing books, leverages High Frequency (HF) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, often complying with the ISO 15693 standard. This standard is specifically designed for item management and has a read range that is perfectly suited for library use cases — typically up to 1.5 meters, which is optimal for scanning books on shelves or during the check-out process.
NFC/RFID technology in libraries represents a blend of convenience, efficiency, and security. It allows for seamless interaction between patrons and the library’s resources, improving the overall user experience while ensuring that the library’s assets are managed effectively and securely.
Technical Specifications and Benefits
ISO 15693 Standard:
- Frequency: Operates at 13.56 MHz (High Frequency).
- Read Range: Up to 1.5 meters, though typical usage scenarios in libraries often have shorter ranges for more precise interactions.
- Anti-collision: Allows multiple tags to be read simultaneously, which is essential for efficiently scanning multiple books.
Types of Data Encoding:
- Data Storage: ISO 15693 tags can store data such as unique identifiers (UIDs), bibliographic information, or circulation status. The amount of data that can be stored varies by the tag’s memory size but is typically between 64 bytes to several kilobytes.
- Encoding Schemes: Utilize various encoding schemes for data storage, ensuring data integrity and security. Common schemes include binary encoding for simple data or more complex encoding standards for structured data.
Common Sizes and Form Factors:
- Labels and Stickers: Thin, adhesive tags that can be easily affixed to the inside cover or back pages of a book. These are the most common form factors in libraries, designed to be inconspicuous and durable.
- Cards and Fobs: Used for library cards or key fobs, integrating the same HF RFID technology for user identification and access control.
- Dimensions: The size of the tags varies depending on their application. Book tags are typically rectangular, around 2″x3″ (5cm x 7.6cm), to fit within book covers without causing damage or being too obtrusive.
Security and Privacy:
- Encryption: To protect sensitive information, data stored on tags can be encrypted. Libraries must balance the need for security with the ease of access for legitimate uses.
- Privacy: Measures are taken to ensure that only essential data is stored on tags and that this data cannot be misused to track or profile users.
Integration with Library Management Systems (LMS):
- Middleware: A software layer that connects the RFID hardware with the library’s management software, facilitating data exchange and enabling features like inventory management, self-checkout, and security.
- Standards Compliance: Ensures interoperability between different vendors’ equipment and software, allowing libraries to upgrade or change components without system-wide replacements.
