Library Book Security Systems | Prevent Book Theft
Stop book loss and modernise your library security – with budget RF systems to the latest RFID solutions.
Protecting your collection is about more than just stopping theft, it’s about preserving your budget and ensuring every book is available for the next reader. The right security system transforms your operational efficiency while reducing the stress of book loss on your staff.
● Protect Your Budget: Stop the high cost of replacing lost or stolen materials by ensuring every item is accurately tracked.
● Empower Your Staff: Replace manual security checks and check-ins with automated solutions so your team can focus on supporting patrons.
● Modernise the Experience: Create a seamless, welcoming environment with faster and more intuitive borrowing through self-service technology.
● Future-Proof Your Collection: Implement scalable technology, such as hybrid solutions, designed to grow and evolve with your library’s needs.
Protect Your Collection and Your Budget
Our Book Security Systems
Radio Frequency (RF) Book Security System
An entry level book security system using RF antennas, ideal for school & college libraries.
Using RF technology, books are protected using a “book pocket” with an integrated RF label. This is cancelled out when a date due Card is inserted and the book is “legally” issued by the librarian. This stops the EAS system alarming.
When a book is returned the date due Card is removed, books are restocked and the date due card is reused for another pupil in another book.
In the event a book has not been through the process and is passed through the tagging gates, the alarm will sound.
Why Libraries Choose RF Security Systems
● Low Cost: The most affordable way to stop theft without expensive equipment.
● Welcoming Entrances: Wider aisles create a more open, friendly feel for your visitors.
● Easy Setup: Simple, thin labels that work perfectly with your existing books for quick processing.
● Reliable & Simple: Dependable "plug-and-play" technology that works day-in and day-out with very little effort.
RFID Radio Frequency Identification
Libraries worldwide are harnessing the potential of RFID technology to transform the way patrons interact with books and information.
By discreetly embedding RFID tags in each book, libraries are streamlining the borrowing process. Manual check-ins and check-outs are now relics of the past as patrons can effortlessly wave their books at self-service kiosks, instantly updating their accounts. This not only saves time but also guarantees precise inventory management, reducing instances of lost books. Step into the future of library services with RFID and experience a heightened level of operational convenience.
RFID staff stations are handy electronic tools for library staff to convert, check-out, return or renew library materials.
In general, an RFID device behaves more or less as a barcode scanner, the advantage of RFID labels being that the identification data from materials are not scanned visually but in open air. This specific property makes it possible to identify multiple items at once. In the library, “stack processing” is often used.
The RFID staff stations are available in 3 versions; a table-top model, an undercounter model and a shielded version.
Why Libraries Choose RFID Security Systems
● Fast Bulk Processing: Check out or return stacks of books at once without needing to scan each one individually.
● Instant Inventory: Scan entire shelves in minutes to find misplaced books using simple handheld tools.
● Better Self-Service: Provides a faster, more intuitive checkout that reduces wait times and staff workload.
● Smart Data: Tracks popular books and visitor trends by connecting directly to your library management software.
Hybrid Library Solution
For libraries looking for ultimate security and efficiency, a hybrid solution is the perfect answer.
Libraries that already use EM but want to migrate to RFID technology or add it to their processes can also switch step by step. The Dialoc ID Hybrid systems combine RFID and EM technology without compromising on accuracy and efficiency.
If a library wants to switch to RFID in the future but does not want to transfer the entire collection in one go, a hybrid technology can be ideal.
Why Libraries Choose Hybrid Security Systems
● Ultimate Security & Efficiency: Combine the high-level protection of EM with the operational speed of RFID technology.
● Flexible Migration: Transition from EM to RFID technology step-by-step rather than all at once.
● Dual-Technology Protection: Use RFID for fast item identification while keeping EM strips for the most robust security.
● Modernised Traffic Flow: Optimise lending traffic and improve the overall service level for your customers.
Electromagnetic (EM) Labels & Systems
Why Libraries Choose EM Security Systems
EM library security systems offer unique security for two reasons: (1) the EM labels are invisible and fit your library aesthetic, they are hidden in the spine of a book or between the pages, and (2) it is almost impossible to shield the signal from the EM labels. Because EM labels are so difficult to shield and difficult to remove, conventional theft and shielding methods as described above cannot be used to steal items.
The gates are suitable for multiple installations because they are easy to interconnect without interfering to each other. One practical option is the integrated customer counter and the possibility to read data locally and/or collect data (such as number of visitors and alarms) in the cloud.
Electromagnetic security technology has been used in the library for a number of decades for the protection of valuable library collections.
EM security labels are equipped with special magnetic materials that respond to low-frequency magnetic fields generated by security methods at the exit of the library. The EM labels can be activated or deactivated with special equipment or a self-service kiosk. A properly deactivated item does not trigger the alarm at the EM security port. Whereas if the item is not deactivated, an alarm will sound at the exit of the library.
Which Security System is Right for Your Library?
Not all security systems are created equal. Compare RF, RFID, and EM technologies to find the most efficient protection for your collection.
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Primary Benefit - Budget-friendly prevention
Tag Placement - Visible "Book Pockets"
Issuing / Returning Process - Individual Books
Inventory Tools - No
Ideal for - Schools/Colleges etc & Smaller Libraries
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Primary Benefit - Automation & Efficiency
Tag Placement - Discreet Stickers
Issuing / Returning Process - Multiple books
Inventory Tools - Yes (Handheld scanning)
Ideal for - Modern, High-Volume Libraries
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Primary Benefit - Proven technology
Tag Placement - Invisible (In-Spine)
Issuing / Returning Process - Individual Books
Inventory Tools - No
Ideal for - Continuity of current system
Why Choose Intrepid for your Library security needs?
We help libraries stop book loss and improve the visitor experience with reliable, tailored security solutions, expert advice, UK-wide support, and no fixed contracts.
Library Book Security FAQs
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We install and service a number of products into public, university and school libraries. Full RFID book systems and stock control. EM and RF book security detection and all accessories, including verifiers, EM strips, RF book pockets, customised with the school or college logo. Standalone people counters and network versions. We also provide CCTV, Access Control and Wireless headsets.
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Absolutely. We also operate an open protocol policy so if we do not measure up you are free to go elsewhere.
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Many libraries still use Tattle-Tape (also known as magnetic security strips) to safeguard their collections. These strips are inserted into books and trigger security entrances if an item hasn’t been checked out properly. While effective, more and more libraries are upgrading to a library book RFID tag method or other RFID strategies for improved efficiency, automation, accessibility and user experience.
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RFID tags for libraries vary depending on type, quantity, and application. At Intrepid Security, we supply high-quality RFID tags designed for durability and accuracy. Please contact us today for a personalised quote tailored to your library’s needs.
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Security tags should only ever be removed or deactivated by authorised library staff. RFID tags, are deactivated electronically through a scanner/programmer at checkout. Attempting to remove or tamper with tags manually can damage books and compromise security.
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Yes, Intrepid Security installs and provides library security across multiple locations, including schools, universities, and public libraries throughout the UK.