ST LogiTrack Pte Ltd was awarded a contract to design, supply, and install an Electronic Library Management System (ELiMS®) for the Institute of Systems Science (ISS), an NUS department reputed for its advanced computer training and applied research.

With the completion of a new $10 million building in 2001, a library was formed to facilitate their students, lecturers and corporate members. The new library will focus on providing convenience and automation, creating a unique learning environment for all its users. The primary criteria is to allow library users to visit, borrow and return library items after office hours; without the help of a librarian.

The Solution
Electronic Library Management System (ELiMS®) coupled with a surveillance system. With ELiMS® Multi Purpose Kiosk, users can borrow and return library items without any intervention of a librarian. The surveillance system identifies who, where and when a user accesses into the library, monitors and records activities in the library. With this, users can conveniently access the library any time of the day, borrow and return books himself. The ELiMS® EAS Gate will beep and alert the security guard when a patron tries to leave with an unauthorised item.

With the whole process fully automated, librarians can now focus on providing value-added services such as membership, attending to enquiries and helping users locate the library materials of their choice. At the same time, patrons can now access a whole array of books, journals, magazines and training packages without bothering the staff at any time of the day. And yet the librarian is able to track each item.

ELiMS® is a proven RFID-based system that has been deployed by National Library Board (NLB) of Singapore to automate and manage its libraries since 1997.