3M Library Systems has been awarded a turnkey project that will provide radio frequency identification (RFID) systems for circulation and inventory management and security at the Panjab University Library in Chandigarh, the capital of the Punjab region in northwest India.
Known officially as the A.C. Joshi Library, in memory of a distinguished university vice chancellor, the 61-year-old library contains nearly 700,000 books and audio/visual items. Panjab University, established in 1882, is one of India’s oldest and most respected schools of higher learning, with some 9,000 students on its 550-acre campus.
3M Library Systems will integrate and install the RFID systems, and prepare the library staff for their proper use. 3M will supply an initial volume of 400,000 RFID tags, guaranteed for the life of the objects to which they are attached; two SelfCheck System R-Series units for unassisted customer checkouts, a SelfCheck System C-Series book drop for automated returns, two Model 8900 single-aisle detection systems for security, and two Digital Library Assistants for collection management.
Installation is expected to be completed by mid-January.
Dr. V.K. Anand, chief librarian, said he is hopeful that following implementation and a trial operational period, the RFID systems will enable the library to remain open 24 hours on an everyday basis.
Noting that this will be the first full-scale library RFID installation in India, Dr. Anand added: “We conducted very intensive research into this technology and its vendors, consulting with libraries in India and many other countries. The road led us to 3M because of its experience, accomplishments in this field, and reputation for supporting its installations.”
Rory Yanchek, 3M Track and Trace Solutions general manager, says that before devising an overall plan, the 3M team in India worked closely with the A.C. Joshi Library’s technical and negotiating committees, “studying the existing infrastructure and logistics, circulation volume and software issues, and the committee’s vision of how the library of the 21st century should perform. We feel privileged to have been chosen for this important assignment.”
According to Chetanya Vali, national sales manager for 3M Library Systems in India, 3M’s unique lifetime tag guarantee also was a factor in the library’s decision. “The library committees were very deliberate in the process of choosing a turnkey vendor because they wanted to be certain of a reliable solution that will serve the library long-term,” he says.
3M Library Systems offers the latest in RFID, self-service, automated materials handling, security and PC management solutions that help create a more human library and a more fulfilling and enjoyable patron experience. 3M also collaborates with libraries to support their technological advancement and ensure their success through numerous industry sponsorships and programs. For more information about 3M Library Systems, visit http://www.3M.com/library.
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.
3M and SelfCheck are trademarks of 3M.
3M Public RelationsColleen Horn Harris, 651-733-1566cahornharris1@mmm.comorLVM Group Inc.Bob Rumerman, 212-499-6567bob@lvmgroup.com
