RFID Solutions for Modern Libraries

Libraries of any type and scale strive to increase visitor engagement, strengthen external communication, expand programs, and develop other important services for their communities — all without expanding staff. Implementing RFID is a logical, reliable, and fast way to work more efficiently and take advantage of modern technologies.

Libraries serve as vibrant hubs for readers. Increased foot traffic usually leads to a rise in circulation volumes, which often overloads frontline staff. As a result, employees spend less time interacting directly with patrons, and many materials remain in bins and carts instead of being promptly returned to shelves.

RFID technology allows scanning multiple items at once, freeing staff from labor-intensive, item-by-item processing. The checkout and return process becomes more convenient and enjoyable for users, who especially appreciate instant return registration and automatic removal of items from their accounts — allowing them to borrow new books without delays.

Thanks to significantly increased speed and accuracy of operations, RFID helps staff return materials to shelves and into readers’ hands much faster. As a result, employees can devote more time to meaningful interaction with visitors, developing and improving library programs and initiatives, rather than working only behind the desk. Libraries that adopt RFID report increased job satisfaction among employees and reduced physical strain because less time is spent on repetitive processing and more on assisting patrons.

How RFID Works

In simple terms, RFID consists of two elements: a tag and an electronic reader. Information about an item is encoded onto the tag attached to the object, and the electronic reader detects this information and sends it to the library management system, which processes checkout and return.

Inside the tag is a microchip that stores item information, along with an antenna. RFID tags do not contain any personal data; they only include data about the item itself, enabling checkout and return. RFID tags are passive, meaning they have no battery or power source and activate only when brought close to a reader (such as security gates or self-service scanners).

RFID has significant advantages over barcodes. With barcodes, each item must be precisely aligned and placed under the scanner — which is time-consuming. RFID, on the other hand, allows processing multiple materials simultaneously without individually positioning each item. Barcodes are often sensitive to damage, may require several scans, and can become scratched or worn over time since they are placed on the outside of books and materials.

RFID helps protect library collections from theft or accidental loss and enables staff to track each item throughout its circulation. Like most technologies, RFID has become much cheaper over time: whereas a tag used to cost around one dollar, today it is about 12 cents. The investment in RFID pays off quickly and provides long-term benefits, allowing libraries to redirect saved funds to other needs.

Ease of Implementation

Smartlibrary offers an optimally designed, ultra-fast automated conversion process using mobile conversion stations. These stations allow libraries to transition to RFID without complex setup procedures and without the need for manual, labor-intensive data entry.

Smartlibrary offers an optimally designed, ultra-fast automated conversion process using mobile conversion stations. These stations allow libraries to transition to RFID without complex setup procedures and without the need for manual, labor-intensive data entry.

Adopting RFID is a long-term, cost-effective decision, and we fully support our hardware and software, integration with the library ILS, staff training, technical implementation, and ongoing support. Our experience, stability, and strong references allow libraries to feel confident when implementing RFID solutions from Smartlibrary.

Why Libraries Choose Smartlibrary

Smartlibrary develops innovative technologies and digital solutions for managing all types of libraries. With more than 50 years of industry experience, we are proud of our history and our cooperation with over 30,000 libraries worldwide. Our products deliver a modern, intuitive, and seamless user experience for both patrons and staff.

We work exclusively with libraries. We do not adapt commercial products to library needs — we create technologically advanced solutions originally designed specifically for libraries. Elegant, aesthetic, and highly durable, our systems not only look great but also feature thoughtful and reliable internal architecture.

We deeply understand the specifics of everyday equipment use in libraries and conduct comprehensive testing — including checking all possible angles at which materials can be read. If support is needed, we provide:

• Internal support service available on weekdays until late evening

• 24/7 emergency hotline

• Local on-site specialists during working hours

It is extremely difficult to find another provider that combines all these services.

Smartlibrary RFID solutions save thousands of staff hours, make the checkout and return process fast, simple, and accurate, and significantly increase circulation performance by ensuring quick processing of materials. With our extensive experience, we have built a modern, convenient RFID system that effectively expands library capabilities and strengthens their role in local communities.