Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves to passively identify a tagged object. It is used in libraries to keep track of items checked out of the library.
RFID
There are a number of integrations a library can connect to Koha to streamline the workflow of staff, and RFID is one of them. What is RFID?
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves to passively identify a tagged object. It is used in libraries to keep track of items checked out of the library, often used in conjunction with security gates and other hardware.
RFID pads at self-check out stations can allow users to easily check out material to their accounts without needing to scan each individual barcode. The software that works with Koha is installed and operates in the background, so patrons don't have multiple steps to follow to check out. Materials can be set atop the pad, and the tags communicate directly with Koha for a streamlined checkout process.
At the staff desk, RFID technology can be used behind the scenes to either check out material to the patron or check it in. Typically, there is an additional window on the staff's desktop, usually hidden from view, to work the RFID process. Staff can either check out items one at a time through this process, or the staff can use the Batch Checkout Option in Koha, which would allow them to place a stack of books on the scanner and Koha will process the batch of them together. RFID pads can also be used to check in materials in batch to speed up the process!
Check out this tutorial video Monday Minutes:
Plugin
There is an RFID plugin available to add support for RFID readers to Koha. This plugin allows Koha to read RFID tags from the following RFID software:
Tech Logic CircIT MK Solutions StaffStation Bibliotheca staffConnect Link
Bibliotheca
The integration runs as a Koha plugin. Koha controls the RFID pad, not the other way around. Staff do not need to tell the system which task they are doing. It recognizes whether they are in checkout, check-in, renewal, or batch processing, and adjusts the pad on its own. It runs on a Windows PC with the pad connected and a small piece of software running in the background. Read more at Circulation Workflows at the Library Desk.
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