Prototype Intelligent Book Shelves Make Their Debut at the National Library
Date: 10 Apr 2008
Ever searched for a book in the library and not find it even though it is not being used by
another patron? With the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)1 Smart Shelf system, users
will be able to detect, in real-time, a book's availability and exact location on the library
shelves.
The National Library Board (NLB) collaborated with the Agency for Science, Technology and
Research (A*STAR)'s Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd (Exploit Technologies) and the Institute
for Infocomm Research (I2R) to develop and test the Smart Shelf system at the Lee Kong
Chian Reference Library in the National Library building. The trial at the reference library
runs from March to September 2008.
The Smart Shelf system is deployed to track 46,000 books on 275 shelves in the Social
Sciences and Applied Sciences Reference sections, making this a large-scale trial of the
prototype.
The new system offers benefits to both library users and NLB staff by providing real-time
book location on shelf, tracking readership patterns, allowing real-time inventory checks to
facilitate library staff in performing quick and accurate shelving. (Please refer to the Notes to
Editor for details of each feature).
Dr N Varaprasad, Chief Executive of National Library Board said, "The Smart Shelf prototype
trial between NLB, Exploit Technologies and Institute for Infocomm Research is a potential step forward in bringing about a better library experience to all our users. The ease of
locating books will save time for library users and staff to focus on more productive tasks at
hand. Also, by knowing the popularity of books browsed, it will provide an indication of the
resources in demand, especially for the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library as a reference
library where loan statistics are not applicable. Tests are still being done with I2R to finetune
the system and to bring down the cost."
Mr Boon Swan Foo, the Executive Chairman of Exploit Technologies, the marketing and
commercialisation arm of A*STAR added, "We are very excited that Exploit Technologies
has found another commercially viable application of A*STAR's RFID technologies to meet
the industry's needs. This latest trial at NLB bears testimony to the strengths of A*STAR's
RFID solution that enhances the Singapore libraries' operations, and brings tangible benefits
to the public. In recent years, RFID technology has taken on diverse uses in the retail,
logistics, manufacturing and other sectors. The RFID technology used in the Smart Shelf
system is a platform technology for a wide range of applications that include warehousing,
tracking of files, luxury retail goods such as jewellery and timepieces, and pharmaceutical
products. Possibilities are aplenty. We are confident that innovative application of A*STAR's
RFID solutions can boost our industry players' bottom line. Exploit Technologies are
committed to work with the industry to translate A*STAR's technologies into marketable
products that can value-add to Singapore economy."
Professor Lye Kin Mun, Deputy Executive Director (Research) of I2R said, "We are pleased
to have the opportunity to work with NLB. This collaboration allows us to move our research
work from the laboratories into real life deployment settings on a large scale. It has proven,
yet again, that our institute's RFID R&D expertise can be applied to meet industry needs. We
are glad to mention that our RFID Smart Shelf System has been deployed as a trial at the
National Library."
The Smart Shelf System is currently on trial within a section of the Social Sciences and
Humanities, Science and Technology Collection at level 7 of the Lee Kong Chian Reference
Library in the National Library Building. The Collection remains accessible to the public
during this trial period of 6 months.
***
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Gladys Ng / Mr Peh Cheng Hwee
Corporate Communications
National Library Board
DID: 6333 7949 / 6332 1889
Fax: 6332 3616
Ms Liong Kit Yin
Corporate Communications
Institute for Infocomm Research
DID: +65 6874 5232
Fax: +65 6775 9923
Email: liongky@i2r.a-star.edu.sg
Notes to Editor
How Smart Shelf Works
The book shelves are mounted with RFID reader antennas which could provide tracking of
books on shelves in the library. The shelves will be able to 'read' the information from the
library books that are tagged with High Frequency (HF) RFID inlays, thus, providing real-time
information on the exact shelf location of the items.
Key Benefits of the RFID Smart Shelf System
1. Item Locator - with the implementation of the Smart Shelf System, librarians and
patrons can find out instantly the availability of a book and can even pinpoint the
exact location of the book on the shelf. Even if the book is misplaced on the wrong
shelf, the current location of the book can be established.
2. Shelf Reading - misplaced books that do not belong to the correct shelf can be
easily traced and its location on the shelf can be shown on a computer screen to
guide the library staff in retrieving them and shelving them back correctly.
3. Browse Count - the browse count of a book enables the library to gauge the
popularity of books browsed as the Smart Shelf System automatically detects books
removed from the shelf. The data collected from the log can be organised and
compiled into more meaningful figures on browsed items, especially for reference
libraries in which loan statistics are not applicable. In this way, librarians can use the
data to make more informed decisions for the development of relevant collections for
the benefit of users.
4. Stocktaking - the RFID Smart Shelf System results in effortless inventory checks for
books since it is an automated mechanism that tracks the status of books in realtime.
The inventory checks can be done anytime or automatically after library hours,
saving staff time and effort in doing it manually. Libraries need not be closed for
stocktaking exercises, where it can take 2 to 3 weeks for a complete stocktaking
exercise for one library.
***
About National Library Board
Established on 1 September 1995, the National Library Board's mission is to provide a
trusted, accessible and globally-connected library and information service so as to promote a
knowledgeable and engaged society. NLB oversees the management of the National
Library, including the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, three regional libraries, 19
community libraries, 2 community children's libraries, as well as 17 libraries belonging to
government agencies, schools and private institutions. Through its innovative use of
technology and collaboration with strategic partners, NLB ensures that library users have
access to a rich array of information services and resources that are convenient, accessible
and useful. More information on NLB can be found on www.nlb.gov.sg.
About Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd
Exploit Technologies is the strategic marketing and commercialisation arm of the Agency for
Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Its mission is to support A*STAR in
transforming the economy through commercialising R&D. Exploit Technologies enhances
the research output of A*STAR scientists by translating their inventions into marketable
products or processes. Through licensing deals and spin-offs with industry partners, Exploit
Technologies is a key driver of technology transfer in Singapore. It actively engages industry
leaders and players to commercialise A*STAR's technologies and capabilities, bridging the
gap from Mind to Market. Exploit Technologies' charter is to identify, protect and exploit
promising intellectual property (IP) created by A*STAR's research institutes.
For more information, please visit http://www.exploit-tech.com
About Institute for Infocomm Research
The Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R - pronounced as i-squared-r) is a member of the
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) family. Established in 2002, our
mission is to be the globally preferred source of innovations in 'Interactive Secured
Information, Content and Services Anytime Anywhere' through research by passionate
people dedicated to Singapore's economic success. I2R performs R&D in information,
communications and media (ICM) technologies to develop holistic solutions across the ICM
value chain. Our research capabilities are in information technology and science, wireless
and optical communications, and interactive digital media. We seek to be the infocomm and
media value creator that keeps Singapore ahead.
Website: www.i2r.a-star.edu.sg