Prototype intelligent book shelves make their debut at the National Library
Ever searched for a book in the library and not find it even though it is not being used by another patron? With the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)1 Smart Shelf system, users will be able to detect, in real-time, a book’s availability and exact location on the library shelves.
The National Library Board (NLB) collaborated with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)’s Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd (Exploit Technologies) and the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) to develop and test the Smart Shelf system at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library in the National Library building. The trial at the reference library runs from March to September 2008.
The Smart Shelf system is deployed to track 46,000 books on 275 shelves in the Social Sciences and Applied Sciences Reference sections, making this a large-scale trial of the prototype.
The new system offers benefits to both library users and NLB staff by providing real-time book location on shelf, tracking readership patterns, allowing real-time inventory checks to facilitate library staff in performing quick and accurate shelving. (Please refer to the Notes to Editor for details of each feature).
Dr N Varaprasad, Chief Executive of National Library Board said, “The Smart Shelf prototype trial between NLB, Exploit Technologies and Institute for Infocomm Research is a potential step forward in bringing about a better library experience to all our users. The ease of locating books will save time for library users and staff to focus on more productive tasks at hand. Also, by knowing the popularity of books browsed, it will provide an indication of the resources in demand, especially for the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library as a reference library where loan statistics are not applicable. Tests are still being done with I2R to finetune the system and to bring down the cost.”
Mr Boon Swan Foo, the Executive Chairman of Exploit Technologies, the marketing and commercialisation arm of A*STAR added, “We are very excited that Exploit Technologies has found another commercially viable application of A*STAR’s RFID technologies to meet the industry’s needs. This latest trial at NLB bears testimony to the strengths of A*STAR’s RFID solution that enhances the Singapore libraries’ operations, and brings tangible benefits to the public. In recent years, RFID technology has taken on diverse uses in the retail, logistics, manufacturing and other sectors. The RFID technology used in the Smart Shelf system is a platform technology for a wide range of applications that include warehousing, tracking of files, luxury retail goods such as jewellery and timepieces, and pharmaceutical products. Possibilities are aplenty. We are confident that innovative application of A*STAR’s RFID solutions can boost our industry players’ bottom line. Exploit Technologies are committed to work with the industry to translate A*STAR’s technologies into marketable products that can value-add to Singapore economy.”
Professor Lye Kin Mun, Deputy Executive Director (Research) of I2R said, “We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with NLB. This collaboration allows us to move our research work from the laboratories into real life deployment settings on a large scale. It has proven, yet again, that our institute’s RFID R&D expertise can be applied to meet industry needs. We are glad to mention that our RFID Smart Shelf System has been deployed as a trial at the National Library.”
The Smart Shelf System is currently on trial within a section of the Social Sciences and Humanities, Science and Technology Collection at level 7 of the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library in the National Library Building. The Collection remains accessible to the public during this trial period of 6 months.
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Notes to Editor
About National Library Board
Established on 1 September 1995, the National Library Board's mission is to provide a trusted, accessible and globally-connected library and information service so as to promote a knowledgeable and engaged society. NLB oversees the management of the National Library, including the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, three regional libraries, 19 community libraries, 2 community children's libraries, as well as 17 libraries belonging to government agencies, schools and private institutions. Through its innovative use of technology and collaboration with strategic partners, NLB ensures that library users have access to a rich array of information services and resources that are convenient, accessible and useful. More information on NLB can be found on www.nlb.gov.sg.
About Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd
About Institute for Infocomm Research
The Institute for Infocomm Research (I²R - pronounced as i-squared-r) is a member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) family. Established in 2002, our mission is to be the globally preferred source of innovations in 'Interactive Secured Information, Content and Services Anytime Anywhere' through research by passionate people dedicated to Singapore's economic success. I²R performs R&D in information, communications and media (ICM) technologies to develop holistic solutions across the ICM value chain. Our research capabilities are in information technology and science, wireless and optical communications, and interactive digital media. We seek to be the infocomm and media value creator that keeps Singapore ahead.
1 Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, is a technology that uses radio frequency communication to automatically identify, track and manage objects. It works by using two or more devices - a reader and tag. The devices are paired and are able to “recognise” each other through the transmission of radio waves.