Answer:

Dr. Keith Rathmill
Technical Sales Manager – S A Secure Ltd.

RFID Library Security is Now The Lowest Cost Solution!!!!!

The rapid growth in RFID Library Security Systems volumes during the last ten years has supported the development of low cost RFID solutions. The many advantages of RFID Library Technology, look set to ensure its continued dominance. These advantages include:

1. A digital security technology that is impervious to the many naturally occurring
sources of (analogue noise) interference.
2. Much wider spacing of security gates.
3. Slimmer, much more elegant, and less space consuming security gates.
4. Faster, multi book, circulation processing.
5. The ready availability of affordable, labour saving, ‘add-ons’ such as Self-Serve and
Hand-Held Shelf Management etc.
6. Comprehensive worldwide (ISO) standards enforcing multi vendor compatibility.

The organisation that I work for specializes in supplying and installing school and college library systems, and has over many years successfully provided all three of the available library security system technology options, namely; analogue Radio Frequency (RF), analogue Electro-Magnetic (EM) and digital RFID. However, within the past three years the reducing costs of RFID Library Systems, coupled with their many attractive advantages, have seen RFID library systems installed almost exclusively, across the whole educational market – from primary school to university.

Like the golden age of steam locomotives, eventually superceded by diesel-electric technology, the decades of electro-magnetic (EM) library security domination, are now a thing of the past – replaced by RFID for a variety of reasons including functionality and cost.

Functionality apart, it is now the case that RFID systems offer a lower system purchase cost in comparison with an EM solution, for all libraries with less than 16,000 books. At around 20,000 books, EM technology starts to show a small (systems purchase) cost advantage over RFID – but for (and above) this size of library, the value of RFID’s superior processing speed, and labour saving potentials, make it a ‘no brainer’ best option based upon ‘overall operational cost’ grounds.

Good ‘old fashioned’ analogue RF library security remains the lowest cost (systems purchase) option for smaller (<10,000 books) lending libraries, but the operational inefficiency of the cumbersome tag-pocket and detuner card circulation requirement, make it increasingly unattractive due to increasing pressure on library staff time.

So I agree,  in general, for a lending library the best investment option is a quality RFID solution. RFID is not only the best library security solution available, it is now the most cost effective option

This details the new Library Shop for schools and colleges with all the latest security products, labels, secure desks and furniture.

In addition the latest security for the 2014 classroom such as IPad charging units with secure trolleys.

Click on the eshop link to find out more…

Our range of multi-functional security trolleys are designed for securely storing, charging and transporting tablet and laptop devices when they are not in use. Created to manage the growing use of tablets and laptops in education and business environments, the trolleys offer a dependable means for ensuring the devices remain fully functional and safe from theft.

The trolleys are equipped with a plug socket for each individual tablet/laptop, cushioned compartments to separate each device, and a three point-locking mechanism on the front door to prevent unauthorised access.

You can also transform your workspace in seconds with our popular multi-functional desks. Manual flip-top desks conceal screen, keyboard and mouse, all available to the user at the pull of a lever. Supporting ICT and non-ICT activities within the same space, these user-friendly desks are well established by their build quality.

The desks robust steel frame is designed specifically to support heavy computer equipment. As each of our desks are designed and manufactured in-house, you can also take advantage of our unique customisation service to achieve the exact finish you require

Our range of Display Security Products ensure the tablets physical and data assets are protected, we provide secure and stylish mounting solutions that allow devices to be fixed to the desk, wall or monitor arms. Supplied as either a fixed or rotating unit (allowing portrait to landscape alternation) each model retains full functionality of the device whilst allowing 24/7 charging.

As part of the range, we also manufacture secure Control Panel Housings that fix to the worktop of the desk. This is an increasingly popular option given the comparative price of proprietary touch control panels versus that of the tablet devices

Our in-house printing service allows us to offer you bespoke printed barcode labels to synch with your current numbering sequence.

All our labels can be supplied in either A4 Sheet or Roll format. We can supply in either paper or a durable poly material.

We have a large number of cutter sizes in stock so we are confident we can match your current label sizes.

We can also cater for all industry standard barcode symbologies.

As all our production is performed in-house we are able to offer a fast turnaround service, and in some cases a next day delivery service.

Please call or email us with your custom printed label needs.

RF Library Security is the simplest security system to use and install. It is also the lowest total cost for libraries with 5,000 books and less.

Our RF detection system is manufactured from beautiful, high quality, polished crystal clear plexi-glass, these detection pedestals are fitted with the latest internally reflective alarm lighting.

The pedestal has a full range of synchronisation functions permitting the installation of multi-pedestal arrays to cover the widest of exit doorways.

RF technology has low detection system cost but relatively high tag/pocket cost per book. Each book is fitted with a self adhesive clear plastic pocket (inside back cover usually) which covers the paper thin 5cmx5cm RF security tag. When books are loaned, the librarian places a ‘date return card’ into the pocket – this ‘switches off’ the security tag. When the book is returned, the librarian removes the ‘date return card’ and the security tag becomes active once more.

This security system works independently of the LMS.

RF Security Tagging

RF library tags provide for quick and easy initial application, and robust service in library applications. Developed specially for library security. Simple, quick and easy to apply and use. Convenient on-roll supply. Superior security performance. Universal tag format. High-speed detection response. Tag size: 50mm x 50mm.

RF labels which are protected within the Plastic Pocket, use the detuner card to deactivate the RF label. The detuner card also has a purpose of being a library book issue card, for marking of dates of book arrival & return. Size: 115 X 55mm

Clear heavy duty plastic pocket. The pocket sits on top of the RF tag and holds the Library issue/De-tuner card.

RF library labels provide for quick and easy initial application, and robust service in library applications. Simple, quick and easy to apply and use. Can be printed with your library’s detail to personalise the labels. Supplied in sheets of 8 labels. Label size: 99mm x 68mm.

Our EM pedestals are an alternative solution to RFID Library Security. EM has been used for decades and is a highly secure detection system. The BMI anti-theft system is a new state-of-the-art high-tech electronic unit exhibiting innovative operation and with extremely high detection rates.
Due to phase sequencing in the four independent transmitting antennas within each pedestal, creates a three-dimensional magnetic field, allowing detection of electromagnetic tags or labels in any orientation. BMI’s operational frequency is 200 Hz.

The three-dimensional detection field, unique only to BMI, cancels almost all “dead zones”, which many competitive EM systems have.

BMI advanced electronics and sophisticated software, based on digital signal analysis, makes BMI capable of detecting the tags and labels even in very noisy electromagnetic environments avoiding false alarms.

Our EAS gates are based on a unique 3D-field sequencing technique which allows tags to be detected in virtually any direction within the surveillance zone.

In addition we also supply the EM tail tags for the security systems

Tail-Tag is a double-sided adhesive strips with tails. The tag is used for paperback books, journals, magazines and some hardcover books. Tyvek™ backing helps to conceal the security strip. Longer tails provide easier, better handling and tails don’t stretch

Our most popular library book tag product is the 165mm tail-tag. This ultra slim, double sided adhesive strip is designed to be inserted between the pages of books and journals

Extra-long release-fabric ‘tails’ facilitate the easier insertion of the adhesive strip deep into the gutter, making visual detection by thieves virtually impossible.

Our tags comply entirely with long established international defacto standards for EM library security tags, and are entirely compatible with all non-TagitTM systems and tags.

If you wish to protect ‘reference only’ media, we supply a range of non-deactivatable security tags, ideal for these applications.

CDs and DVDs
CD/DVD, MM/EM Security Label, composed of a one-part circular label that is applied directly to the CD or DVD. For maximum label detection, two MM security strips are adhered at right angles to the underside of the self-adhesive. This allows for better detection than the typical parallel strip placement. The label can be applied to any CD or DVD with single sided data recording.

We have many years experience in integrating our solutions with all leading LMS providers such as MLS and Capita. With the latest technology RFID and using SIP 2 we can communicate directly and securely the LMS database following the industry standard language.  S A Secure can also aid in other areas as well and excel in library security furniture, book trolleys and library shelving as well as various software for the school or college.

If you require any advice concerning our products, one of our specialists will be more than happy to provide their decades of experience in helping you secure what is precious.

The maximum benefits of RFID library systems are achieved through seamless integration with your chosen Library Management Systems (LMS) database software. From many years of hand-on experience, our in-house software team have developed a range of powerful software integration modules that enable S A Secure RFID Library systems to function effortlessly and universally with all LMS systems.

S A Secure RFID Staff-Pad software provides a well proven, fast and reliable interface to all known LMS products in a totally discreet and unobtrusive way, such that normal access to your chosen, and familiar, LMS is not in any way disrupted – just simply enhanced. This is why staff training in the use of our RFID Staff Pad is so very quick, effortless and easy.

RFID Self-Serve Kiosks and intelligent book drop units etc. communicate directly with your LMS through an industry standard SIP2 interface, which all leading LMS suppliers provide. S A Secure have un-rivalled experience in achieving successful SIP2 integration will all leading LMS products, and also provide a range of additional ‘extensions’ that lie outside the functional provisions of SIP2.

And at a higher level, to provide system monitoring, management reporting, and automatic off-line system support and recovery etc. SA Secure provide a range of RFID Systems Server functions to ensure comprehensively effective management of your RFID installations.