Securing Digitized Library Circulatory System

Abstract

Despite the potential benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in library automation, library operations in most developing countries are yet to migrate from traditional method of routine operations to automated systems. Current model of operation carries along with it challenges of insecurity of library books, errors in task execution, laborious routines with over dependency of human involvement in Library operations. In this paper, circulatory operations of the library were digitized and secured using a 125- KHz Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology with a blend of 192-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) private key encryption technique. This ensured the confidentiality of patron’s information and provided an auto-notification service. The results of testing and evaluation of the developed system showed that the surface area and position of the tag from RFID reader affects the response of the RFID system for improved library circulatory service delivery. The widespread application of the developed system on smart library circulation unit would improve the management of the library circulatory operations, give patrons better library circulatory experiences and enhance the productivity of library administrators.