User's Manual
Introduction
The Application Server interfaces to the library circulation system and other subsystem
components using the 3M protocol (SIP2) over an Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). The
Ethernet NIC uses the TCP/IP protocol and session. The physical cable is 10BaseT.
1.5.7. Intelligent Circulation Circuit
The Intelligent Circulation Circuit provides a method of assigning 96 one time programmable bits
of information to an item that can be read at a single radio frequency, 13.56 MHz, up to a distance
of 4 feet. The tag allows for the reading of multiple tags through an anti-collision algorithm and
error detection and correction. The tag also allows for adjacent tags to be read in the interrogation
field by de-coupling the tag from another in a manner that does not stop its operation.
1.5.8. Circulation Circuit Programming Station
Libraries use the optional Circulation Circuit Programming Station to program circulation circuits
with the item identifier from the barcode when converting the retrospective library collection.
Circuits are also programmed when new materials are added to the collection. This reduces the
time it takes to convert a library collection from barcode to RFIG circulation circuits. The
Circulation Circuit Programming Station enables the library to easily link new materials into the
ILS instead of waiting several weeks for pre-programmed tags. In addition, the Circulation
Circuit Programming Station is integrated into a portable workstation that allows the library staff
to program circulation circuits while moving around the library.
When adding a new item to the collection and programming the circulation circuit, the library can
also print a barcode label. In many cases, libraries will continue to support the use of barcodes in
addition to the RFID inventory circulation circuits, mainly for compatibility with other branch
libraries still using barcodes. Using the Circulation Circuit Programming Station software
application, libraries program the circulation circuits by passing them over the tag programming
surface. After programming the circulation circuit, the application automatically reads, verifies,
and displays the data that was written to the circulation circuit. Refer to Chapter 5 Tagging
Procedures for instructions on how to affix tags to library materials.
Intelligent Library System (ILS) 2.0 User Manual Page 1-7