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EDUCATION|ASIA|

RFID Library Management in China

Background
A library in China manages a collection of approximately 100,000 books and other materials. As the collection continued to grow, traditional barcode-based workflows made large-scale inventory increasingly time-consuming. Annual stocktaking required staff to scan books individually and took approximately three weeks to complete.
 
To improve library operations, RFID technology was introduced across key workflows. The Chainway C5 UHF RFID Reader is used for mobile inventory, while the Chainway R3 Desktop RFID Reader supports RFID-based self-service book returns.
 
Challenge
  • Large collection size: Approximately 100,000 books and materials need to be checked during annual inventory.
  • Time-consuming barcode scanning: Traditional stocktaking requires books to be scanned individually, making large-scale inventory labor-intensive.
  • Impact on library operations: Lengthy inventory periods can require reduced services or partial closures and take staff away from other responsibilities.
  • Frequent movement between shelves: Stocktaking requires staff to move continuously through long rows of shelving, increasing physical workload and slowing the inventory process.
  • Manual return processing: Conventional book returns require staff involvement at the service desk, adding repetitive work and limiting flexibility for readers.
 
Solution
RFID tags were applied to the library collection to give each item a unique electronic identity. Chainway RFID readers are used at different stages of the library workflow: the C5 enables staff to perform mobile inventory across bookshelves, while the R3 is integrated into a self-service return station to identify returned books automatically.
 
  • High-speed mobile inventory: The C5 supports a read rate of up to 1,300+ tags/s, allowing staff to capture multiple RFID-tagged books without scanning each item individually.
  • Flexible RFID reading: With a read range of up to 30m+ and precise RFID tag positioning, the C5 supports efficient inventory checks and item searching across library shelves.
  • Reliable UHF performance: The C5 integrates an Impinj E Series-based UHF module with Gen2X support, providing strong RFID performance for intensive stocktaking.
  • Self-service book returns: Integrated into the return station, the R3 reads RFID-tagged books as readers return them, enabling the system to complete the return process with less staff intervention.
  • Controlled desktop RFID reading: The R3 provides a short reading distance of up to 100cm, with efficient tag reading and writing for close-range RFID applications. USB and Bluetooth connectivity support integration with the library system.
 
Result
  • Annual inventory time was reduced from approximately three weeks to three hours, dramatically shortening the stocktaking cycle.
  • Inventory efficiency improved by more than 90%, allowing approximately 100,000 library items to be checked much faster.
  • Less disruption to library operations: Faster inventory reduces the need for prolonged service reductions or partial closures.
  • More convenient book returns: RFID self-service enables readers to return books independently while reducing routine service-desk workload.
  • More time for higher-value services: With less time spent on repetitive inventory and return processing, library staff can focus more on collection management and reader support.
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