The Mere Presence of Sensors can Significantly Reduce Theft In Your Library

EM (Electromagnetic), RF (Radio Frequency), and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) are the most popular security system technologies used today.

Security System Common Features

• Sensors, which are also referred to as antennas or gates, depending on the technology, are placed at entrances/exits to create a patron security corridor or aisle. The number of sensors that you will need depends upon the width of the entrance/exit and the number of entrances/exits that exist. Sensors must be installed a certain distance away from computer terminals and equipment. This distance will vary depending upon the technology that you choose. You will find placement requirements for each technology within the “Technology Specific” text below.
   

• Targets, which are also known as beepers, tags, smart tags, strips or Tattle-Tape^™, are placed on/in library material enabling detection of "unchecked" library material when passing through the patron security aisle. Targets are available in various formats and are typically hidden or disguised so that patrons are not aware of them. All systems offer accessories such as self check-out stations; accessories vary depending on the technology chosen. You will find this information in the "Technology Specific" text below.
   

• Preparation for your security system is vital. If you are constructing a new library, the system layout should be discussed with your architect/ contractor who can then plan for the installation of conduit (tubing that encases the system’s wiring) in the floor. This will allow the security system to be installed directly on top of the finished floor with no need for ramps or strips to encase or hide the wiring. If you are installing a security system in an existing library it is important to understand each of the security system technologies and how they will function within your library. Each system must be installed a certain distance away from metal doorways, computer terminals and circulation desks. This distance will vary depending on the technology you choose.
  

Technology Specific Information

EM (Electromagnetic) Technology:  Electromagnetic security systems operate on a magnetic basis. Sensors partner with the targets. If the targets are not "turned off" by a magnetic device, an alarm is sounded via the sensors as a patron passes through the security aisle. Targets consist of strips of metal with magnetic particles for degaussing (desensitizing and resensitizing). This is accomplished by using high-powered magnets to negate the magnetic property of the strip. A library staff member rubs the area of the strip location with a magnetic device to "turn off" the strip allowing the patron to pass through the patron security aisle created by the sensors without sounding the alarm. When library materials are returned, they are then resensitized or "turned on" by a library staff member. A variety of desktop and handheld devices are available for demagnetizing (desensitizing) and remagnetizing (resensitizing) materials. Security strips are available for books, CDs, DVDs, videocassettes and audiocassettes. The circulation of audiovisual materials requires the purchase of demagnetizers and remagnetizers for these specific forms of media. EM systems use standard 110/120 VAC power. EM sensors must be installed a certain distance away from metal doorways, computer terminals and circulation desks. This distance will vary depending on the number of existing computers.

RF (Radio Frequency) Technology:  Radio Frequency security systems operate on a low-end radio frequency. The FM frequency used for RF systems is set and regulated by the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) and will not interfere with other FM frequencies such as radio station signals. Security targets are applied to circulating library materials and are already "turned on". To "turn off" the target you cover the target using a specially designed detuning tab or card. This detunes or interrupts the signal and allows the patron to pass through the security aisle formed by the antennas without sounding the alarm. Upon return of library materials, a staff member removes the detuning tab or card to once again "turn on" the target. RF technology is safe for use with audiovisual media and does not require desensitizing or resensitizing of materials. RF technology does not interfere with pacemakers or hearing aids and cannot be falsely activated by jewelry, buckles or coins. RF systems are hardwired through a standard existing outlet. RF sensors must be installed a certain distance away from metal doorways, computer terminals and circulation desks. This distance is less than that required by EM systems.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Technology: Radio Frequency Identification systems operate on a low-end radio frequency. The FM frequency used for RFID systems is regulated by the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) and will not interfere with other FM frequencies such as radio station signals. RFID systems provide more than just security; RFID is a complete suite of tools for managing your library’s inventory, from the check-out process to the check-in and reshelving of returned items. This combination of both identification and anti-theft in the RFID tag represents a technology breakthrough for libraries. RFID systems require sensors and targets just as EM and RF systems do. RFID makes bar codes obsolete in that the targets require no line of sight. These targets contain security bits which are used in conjunction with the sensors. This technology can read more than one target at a time (batch processing), significantly speeding up the check-out process. RFID systems are time-savers for completing inventory, shelf locating, weeding, and check-in and check-out processing. Staff time is also freed up by RFID capabilities. Various accessories are also available for RFID systems, from patron self check-out stations to book drops with sensors that automatically check materials back into inventory upon book drop deposit. RFID technology integrates with any system currently in place. The RFID system is suggested for use in all large libraries and in newly constructed or renovated libraries.