The National Library has the first RFID UHF technology in Lithuania

The first RFID UHF book protection, process management, and automation system was launched in the National Martynas Mažvydas Library of Lithuania in 2017. This solution allows visitors to borrow and return their publications by themselves while facilitating the efficient management of publications in the library.

"After renovating the National Library, we updated many services. We decided to create a fund and give all visitors the rights to take the books from this fund. In order to facilitate the process of issuing books, we have introduced a book delivery and return services", said M. Janavičius. RFID UHF technology has significantly accelerated borrowing and return processes. Librarians in the huge National Library building can manage the flow of publications more easily, quickly and efficiently.

Until now, the National Library did not have any RFID process management and automation system, and now it is the only RFID UHF (ultra-high frequency) technology in Lithuania that is linked to the Lithuanian Integrated Library Information System LIBIS. The RFID process control and automation system consist of a self-service book retrieval unit with a 9-way sorter, a self-service book return facility during libraries unemployment time, self-service book issuing and return terminals, staffing workstations, security gates, inventory equipment, RFID tags, and software.

"The book issuing process is now automated and it saves employees time. The RFID system makes it easy to identify the carried out publications. We used to have safety tags, but with RFID UHF system, we can identify which specific books are being carried out and thus follow the movement of the books. Using the wireless book inventory, you can find a "lost book" on the shelves", Mantas Janavičius, the Head of the IT Department of National Martynas Mažvydas Library of Lithuania, commented on the advantages of this equipment.