Library Showcase
The fully UHF RFID enabled library showcase
presented by Beacontree Technologies
If you are a library administrator considering upgrading your library's tracking system, you should check out the equipment and furnishings shown here. Most librarians and library visitors will agree that the library environment should look quietly dignified without an overabundance of computer technology. Typically, RFID equipment takes up a relatively small 'technological footprint' and is very discrete in both its look and it's operation.
If you are not involved in the library business, this tour will give you an idea of how an RFID system looks and how it can maximize the efficiency of library's operations. You can easily envision how such a system could fit into your organization and what it could do for you.
PATRON SELF-CHECKOUT STATION
Shown here is an RFID system stand with a reader. The stand is high-pressure laminate and comes in a choice of three wood grain tones. It stands 29 ½ “ high, is 22” wide and glides smoothly. On the stand you see a Symbol XR-400 reader with a Symbol MaxRad dual directional antennae. The NEC screen is touch operational with high-resolution display.
EXTERNAL BOOK RETURN CHUTE
This is a library book return chute (for the exterior of the library). But it's not just a return chute. It's UHF RFID enabled, with a reader built into it, making it a highly efficient book return tracking control system component. It works around the clock, instantly accepting, recording and updating returned book information to the borrower's account. It contains a Symbol MaxRad dual directional antennae. It's fully RF shielded and has intuitive software for immediate check-in and even e-mail confirmation of returned books.
MOBILE RFID ENCODING STATION
Here we see a complete mobile RFID encoding station with RFID reader and necessary system equipment on the carts. This simplifies the conversion of barcodes and allows library personnel to easily encode RFID tags. The barcode reader downloads the item information from the library's database then software supplied by Beacontree encodes the tag. The carts have pullout keyboard shelves and roll easily on casters. They're equipped with a 3 outlet electrical connection with a 15-foot cord. Along with the RFID reader and other equipment, you can see a Symbol LS-1205 Omni-directional barcode reader.
RFID TAGS
The tags themselves are UHF RFID passive tags. GEN 2 type, using the 915MHz frequency. They can be successfully read from a distance of 20 feet. They can be easily attached to any library media.
HANDHELD WIRELESS READER
Also part of a typical UHF RFID library system is a handheld wireless reader. Very convenient for data capture and library management applications. It's fully integrated into the Beacontree RFID system and instantly reads the tags for quick, accurate shelving, storing and searching of library materials. It lets you take inventory as often as necessary and automatically updates the central library system.
RFID ENABLED INDOOR BOOK RETURN
This dignified library furnishing is an inside-the-library book return unit. Yet it is fully UF RFID enabled. Notice that there is no technology component on top to intimidate or confuse people returning books. The technology is inside. The stand itself has a 3" high x 12" wide book drop opening, a lockable front access door (2 keys included) and rolls easily on 5" casters. It's available in solid hardwood with a choice of 3 wood styles. Or you can have a painted, textured base in any of 4 colors. It will hold as many as 175 average size books and has 3" thick foam padding to protect books as they drop. Inside is a Symbol Max Rad Dual Directional RFID reader that's fully RF shielded and has intuitive software for immediate book check-in.
All this equipment & much more is available from Beacontree Technologies as part of a total library RFID solution.