RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is used in the most modern libraries around the world to maximize the efficiency of operations such as borrowing and returning materials (whether assisted by a librarian or in self-service mode), collection inventory, material identification, quickly finding misplaced items on the shelf, collection security, and automatic sorting for shelving.

By streamlining these operations, the time dedicated to repetitive activities is reduced considerably, and routine tasks are practically eliminated, being taken over by the system. Librarians thus have the opportunity to focus on increasing the quality of services offered to the public.

In addition to the substantial increase in productivity, library RFID systems ensure collection security, eliminating potential losses that may occur through theft or accidental misplacement of materials.

Softlink Central Europe is the exclusive representative for Bibliotheca in Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Republic of Moldova.

The most common components of a library RFID system are:

• Staff Workstation 
  Performs the inscription (programming) of RFID tags and simplifies the borrowing and returning processes, optimizing the librarian's workspace.

• Conversion Station
  Programs traditional barcodes onto RFID tags in an automated workflow, optimized for high volumes of materials requiring tagging.

• Security Gates
  Ensures collection security by providing an audible and visual warning when a material from the collection is removed from the library without being properly processed for loan.

• Portable RFID Reader
  Reads the RFID tags on materials by passing in their proximity, facilitating collection inventory in only 5% of the time required for a traditional inventory. It makes it possible to identify materials and quickly find those misplaced on the shelf. Searching, sorting, inventory, and weeding of library materials are thus done much more efficiently, in a considerably reduced time.

• Self-Circulation Unit (Self-Checkout/Return)
  Operating on the principle of self-service, this equipment eliminates the routine of processing loans and returns, giving readers control over these operations. Queues at the circulation desk disappear due to the speed and efficiency of this equipment, which can read multiple tags simultaneously.

• RFID Tags
  The identification and tracking of materials in the library are based on reading the information stored in the tag's memory chip. Tags are read remotely, without needing to open the cover or case. Furthermore, there is the possibility of overwriting the information on the tag.