The library uses the system and the C.label RFID technology for managing, tracking and securing their entire inventory of over 1.5 million items. All assets such as books, CDs, audiocassettes, videocassettes and DVDs will have a C.label, a self-adhering paper-based sticker with a contactless chip and the EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) device inside. It also ensures the secure management and loyalty application of the 150,000 library subscribers with contactless cards. The project will be fully implemented at the end of 2003.

In addition to C.labels, the Automated Library Management System integrates readers developed by ASK along with applications from Cybernetix and Tyco/Sensormatic France to provide a completely automated inventory control system. This includes the handheld C.scan terminal, a lightweight, portable reader designed to read and write contactless smart cards and tickets. ASK also developed desktop terminals and readers for self-service automatic machines to borrow and return items.

Here’s how it works. Each of the library system’s 150,000 borrowers has a contactless C.ticket card from ASK. These customers can borrow or return assets within a split second just putting down the pile of items and the card on the reader, a self-service terminal developed by ASK. The ASK C.label system is extremely fast and can complete transactions for 100 assets within one second, setting a new standard for high-speed contactless RFID technology. This C.label also has an anti-fraud function to prevent theft. An anti-theft detection gate at the exit with a one-meter read range will detect items that have not been checked out and an alarm will be activated.

Another use of the system is inventory control. Entire shelves can be rapidly scanned to find or log individual items. This is useful for taking inventory, finding missing items and identifying misfiled items, a common and labor-intensive problem to correct in a library. The high speed of the contactless transactions between the C.scan reader and C.label makes this a very fast operation; a librarian can scan an entire shelf at normal walking speed.

“A library is an ideal place to debut our new smart paper C.label, because the benefits are clear and the demands on the technology are high,” said Xavier Bon, vice president sales and marketing. “There is a clear productivity gain for the libraries with labor reductions and reduced losses due to theft and errors. It also provides better service for library users by speeding up checkouts. At the same time, it rigorously exercised the contactless C.label technology, requiring the rapid and accurate scanning of many smart tags in close proximity. This successful, high-volume implementation proves our contactless label technology is ready for commercial applications in any field.”

ASK is demonstrating the library system using C.label technology and C.scan readers in booth number 1341 at CardTech/SecurTech 2003 in Orlando from May 13th to 15th.

In March 2003 ASK introduced the C.label family of contactless paper-based smart label products, entering the RFID tagging market that is projected to grow to more than $10 billion by 2010. The new product line uses the same core technology and production techniques that ASK has already proven in over 40 leading cities around the world in automated fare collection systems. The ASK smart label combines a microchip and an antenna printed on paper with conductive ink to make a wireless device that looks and feels like a standard paper label. Using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, customized readers can read and write data contained on the C.label chip. The printed antenna eliminates the need for a wire coil antenna and resonant capacitor, which greatly reduces the overall cost of the C.label compared to traditional RFID products.