FSB: Every Book in Its Place – RFID Technology for a Safer Library
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture is digitizing the protection of its library collection using RFID UHF technology. Discreet tagging, circulation control, and enhanced security at all times.
About the Client
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FSB): RFID system for library materials protection
Industry: Higher education / library services
Solution: RFID UHF protection system, control of material lending, permission management
Partner: Selmet
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FSB) The University of Zagreb is a leading higher education and scientific research institution in the field of mechanical engineering, naval architecture, and aerospace engineering in Croatia and the region. With a tradition of over 100 years, FSB educates generations of professionals driving technological development and industrial innovation.
The faculty stands out for its strong connection between science and the economy, participation in international projects, and continuous investment in modern infrastructure, digitalization, and sustainable development.
Challenge
After the renovation of the building and the return of the library from the temporary space of the Faculty of Philosophy to the main building of FSB, a key question arose:
How to ensure effective protection of several thousand units of library materials in the new space?
The renovated library did not have a theft protection system, which posed a serious security risk. Such a solution contributes to better record-keeping during lending, as well as the preservation of library materials.
Key challenges included:
- Lack of a system for detecting unauthorized carrying out of books
- Need for discreet but effective marking of materials
- Permission management for carrying out
- Registration and protection of more than 10,000 books
Goal
- Implement a modern library materials protection system
- Enable control and management of permissions for carrying out books
- Register and mark 10,000 units of materials
- Increase security without compromising user experience
After the implementation facility looks like this.
Solution
In collaboration with Selmet, an RFID UHF solution for the protection of library materials was implemented, which consists of:
✅ RFID UHF portal
Set up in the library, the portal detects attempts of unauthorized carrying out of a book and activates an acoustic and visual signal.
✅ RFID UHF labels
Each book is discreetly marked with an RFID label, without compromising the aesthetic appearance or readability.
✅ Application and desktop RFID reader
Library staff are enabled to:
- Register RFID tags
- Manage permissions for carrying out materials
- Fast and easy system administration
Results of Cooperation and a Look into the Future
Results of Cooperation
- Discreetly marked and protected library materials
- Automatic detection of unauthorized carrying out
- Easy management of user permissions
- Greater security without additional administrative burden
- Modern, technologically advanced library space
RFID UHF technology has enabled a high level of security with minimal staff intervention, providing the library with a solution appropriate for a modern academic institution.
A Look into the Future
The system can be upgraded by linking RFID tags with data about the author, title, and catalog number, which would enable fast inventory and precise locating of books using an mobile RFID terminal.
