Smart Library Management with Android Application

Abstract

Smart Library Management using RFID technology and an Android application is a modern and efficient approach to managing library operations. The proposed system aims to provide a user-friendly interface that allows patrons to browse and search for books, as well as to borrow and return them. RFID technology allows for the automation of tasks such as borrowing and returning books, and monitoring book circulation. An Android application enhances user experience by providing real-time information on book availability, due dates, and reservations. It improves efficiency, reduces errors, and is cost-effective in the long-term. This system revolutionizes the library experience for both users and staff, making it a worthwhile investment for libraries looking to modernize their services.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Libraries play an important role in modern society by providing access to a wide range of information and resources. With the advancement of technology, libraries can now use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology and Android applications to enhance their services and improve the overall library management system. By using RFID tags, library staff can easily scan and track items without the need for manual check-ins and check-outs.

Additionally, an Android application can be used to provide a user-friendly interface for library users to search for and borrow items, as well as manage their accounts. This application can also be integrated with the RFID technology to provide real-time information on item availability, location, and status. By using RFID technology, it sends the book information to the android application. It allows us to maintain all information in a standard database.

In this context, smart library management using RFID technology and an Android application has the potential to revolutionize the way libraries operate, making them more efficient, user-friendly, and accessible to a wider range of users. This system can help reduce waiting times, minimize human error, and enhance the overall library experience for both staff and patrons.

II. METHODOLOGY

We divide our project into 3 modules:

1. Book Registration Module: The availability and location of the books are always displayed on the LCD in this module. By looking through the LCD, students can quickly locate their required books. By clicking the borrow or return book button on the keypad, they can choose to either keep or return the book. The student has to enter their USN or serial number after clicking the switch. He must scan the book in order for it to be registered to his account and for the app database to receive the same information. He has to press the return book switch and type the USN or serial number in order to return the book. He needs to scan the book in order to return and update the app database to receive the same information. Whenever registration is completed, RF transmitter will send information to door Unit.
2. Door Unit: We have an RF receiver in the door unit, which will receive information about book registration from the registration unit. The system will set off an alarm if a book is attempted to be stolen without registration. We connect the RFID to the door unit to scan the book.
3. Android App Interface: We are developing an Android application for librarians and students as well. The books accessible in the library can be updated through the librarian module.  Books can be added or removed by the librarian from the application. Students can create an account in the student’s module by using their USN. Once a student has enrolled, he can use the app to check the library's book availability. Students can view information about penalties and book return deadlines. They can check rack for the respective book. Pre-booking of the desired book can be made available.

III. TECHNICAL REQUIRMENTS

A. Arduino Mega

The Arduino is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P. It has 14 digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a 16 MHz ceramic resonator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header and a reset button. It contains everything needed to support the microcontroller, simply connect it to a computer with a USB cable or power it with a AC-to-DC adapter or battery to get started.

C. RFID Reader

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. An RFID system consists of a tiny radio transponder, a radio receiver and transmitter. When triggered by an electromagnetic interrogation pulse from a nearby RFID reader device, the tag transmits digital data, usually an identifying inventory number, back to the reader. This number can be used to track inventory goods. A RFID reader is a radio frequency device that emits a signal through an antenna. This signal is received by RFID tags that respond to interrogation by the reader. Responses are read by the reader, and through a variety of protocols the reader can communicate with all the RFID tags in its field. The RFID reader is a network-connected device that can be portable or permanently attached. It uses radio waves to transmit signals that activate the tag.  Once activated, the tag sends a wave back to the antenna, where it is translated into data. The transponder is in the RFID tag itself. Passive tags are powered by energy from the RFID reader's interrogating radio waves. Active tags are powered by a battery and thus can be read at a greater range from the RFID reader, up to hundreds of meters.

D. RF Transmitter and Receiver

The RF transmitter receives serial data and transmits it wirelessly through its RF antenna. The transmission occurs at the rate of 1 Kbps – 10 Kbps. RF receiver receives the transmitted data and it is operating at the same frequency as that of the transmitter. A transmitter wirelessly sends a data signal stream. A receiver receives the data and streams it to your TV. Point-to-point microwave antennas transmit and receive microwave signals across relatively short distances (from a few tenths of a mile to 30 miles or more). RF interference can occur in your WLAN when 802.11 devices are trying to send packets and another device is sending a packet at the same time. These interfering signals then disrupt your Wi-Fi service, leading to problems that the end-user experiences, decreasing performance and satisfaction with the network.        

E. Power Supply

A power supply is an electrical device that supplies electric power to an electrical load. The main purpose of a power supply is to convert electric current from a source to the correct voltage, current, and frequency to power the load. As a result, power supplies are sometimes referred to as electric power converters. Some power supplies are separate standalone pieces of equipment, while others are built into the load appliances that they power.

All power supplies have a power input connection, which receives energy in the form of electric current from a source, and one or more power output or rail connections that deliver current to the load. The source power may come from the electric power grid, such as an electrical outlet, energy storage devices such as batteries or fuel cells, generators or alternators, solar power converters, or another power supply. The input and output are usually hardwired circuit connections, though some power supplies employ wireless energy transfer to power their loads without wired connections.

I. Arduino Studio

Android Studio is the official integrated development environment (IDE) for Google's Android operating system, built on JetBrains' IntelliJ IDEA software and designed specifically for Android development.[9] It is available for download on Windows, macOS and Linux based operating systems.[10] It is a replacement for the Eclipse Android Development Tools (E-ADT) as the primary IDE for native Android application development. Android Studio supports all the same programming languages of IntelliJ e.g., Java, C++, and more with extensions, such as go and Android Studio 3.0 or later supports Kotlin and "all Java 7 language features and a subset of Java 8 language features that vary by platform version."[22] External projects backport some Java 9 features. While IntelliJ states that Android Studio supports all released Java versions, and Java 12, it's not clear to what level Android Studio supports Java versions up to Java 12. At least some new language features up to Java 12 are usable in Android.

Android Studio provides a unified environment where you can build apps for Android phones, tablets, Android Wear, Android TV, and Android Auto. Structured code modules allow you to divide your project into units of functionality that you can independently build, test, and debug.

VI. FUTURE SCOPE

With proper knowledge one can develop a system by implementing RFID technology and Android application that is integrated along with other emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to improve the efficiency of library operations. For example, AI algorithms can analyse borrowing patterns and recommend personalized books etc. It can also be used to offer additional services such as, remote book reservations, online payment and virtual book clubs. We can also collaborate with libraries to create a network of interconnected system that share resources, reducing costs and increasing accessibility for users.

Conclusion

Finally, we have proposed and implemented a system that can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of the library system. With RFID tags attached to books, the library staffs can easily track their location, monitor their circulation, and automate the borrowing and returning process. The android application can provide user with real time information on book availability, due dates and reservations, enhancing their experiences. Overall, the use of RFID technology and an Android application can streamline library operations, reduce manual labor, and improve service quality, making it a worthwhile investment for any library looking to modernize its service.

References

[1] Paul Golding and Vanesa Tennant, Performance and Reliability of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Library System, 0-7695-2777-9/07 © 2007 IEEE [2] Chetan jadhav,shivani s.jadhav, vijay m.ssancheti, Prof. shaileshs hajare “Smart Library management system Using rfid technology [3] Mr. s. Balakrishnan, Mrs, P. hemalatha, Mrs. Giridharan “A Study on smart library management system” [4] Renold, A. Pravin, & R. Joshi Rani, (2013) “An internet-based RFID library management system” IEEE Conference on Information Communication Technologies (ICT), pp 932- 936. [5] Hassan, Abbas Saleh, & Raoof Talal Hussein, (2018) “Simulation of radio frequency identification-based library management system”, Journal of Engineering and Sustainable Development’ 21, Vol. 4, pp 161-170. [6] Patil, Nisha, Pallavi Karande, Jayshree Desai, Sheetal Pereira, & U. G. Student, (2017) “Internet of Things for library Management System” International Journal of Engineering Science 10021 [7] Tarique, Md, & V. C. Priya Rani, (2017) “Implementation of RFID in library management system based on Internet of Things (IOT)” International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science, Engineering and Information Technology, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp 315-321 [8] Mishra, Rakesh Kumar, (2018) “Application of RFID Technology in Library Automation”, Journal Advancements in Library Sciences, Vol. 3, No. 2 pp 1-6.

Copyright

Copyright © 2023 Rohith H S, Aishwarya Savanth N, Dhanush S, Darshan M, J Cynthia Samuel. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.