University Library has successfully established the Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) system over the winter vacation. Students are able to use this system to borrow and return books starting from March 2.
RFID is a system that allows wireless data flow. The system consists of a ‘reader’ which comprehends and transfers information and a ‘tag’ which stores and provides information. In the case of University Library, small chips which store specific information such as the title and the author were inserted to each book. By doing so, the information is transferred automatically to librarians’ computers through the ‘reader’ when borrowing or returning books .
The system carries many advantages. For the library, it offers a more efficient way to organize books. With the adoption of the RFID system, the library can easily track materials, decreasing the number of missing or stolen books. For students, they are now able to borrow and return books through Self-Check In/Out on their own. Also, students are allowed to return books 24 hours daily through Self-Return Machines situated in University Library, Ewha Campus Complex and Student Union.
“Through the new RFID system, we hope to increase the service satisfaciton enjoyed by students,” said Chung Yeon-kyoung, the director of the University Library. “We also hope to expose students to a larger information database.”
To mark the establishment of RFID system along with 130th anniversary of Ewha, University Library has held a special event. From March 2 to March 8, to the 130th user of Self-Check In/Out, Central Library will grant 50,000 won gift voucher and a gift set which consists of an eco-bottle, memo cube and a portable battery. 130th and 1300th users of each Self-Return Machine receive with a gift set. Both students and faculty were eligible to participate.