Page 28 - Tarangni 7-2

Never Judge a Book by its Cover

Now Scan it at iTech!

The room on the second floor of the Administrative Block was filled with an eerie silence on the 12th of November 2021. The
usual chaotic queue before the librarian, and the habitual hustle and bustle of students waiting to borrow a book is now
replaced by a machine. Avid readers rejoice in peace as they bury their heads behind their books. The reason was that the
PSG iTech Central Library has seen a major technological revamp.

The
Thevast collection of over 22,500 books have RFID tags individually planted on its book, automating the book issuing
process. Moreover, book enthusiasts need not waste time searching for a book at the library, as they now have access to
OPAC-Online Public Access Catalogue. The online database, OPAC gives users the ability to check on available books, their
location in the library, and history of the books borrowed by the user. Before coming to the library, one can skim through the
contents of the library via OPAC, to seek for books, e-books, question papers as well as submitted project reports by former
students.

Through a fingerprint authentication system, a student or a faculty can borrow a book against their name. Everything
happens in a jiffy, as a machine recognizes upto five books through its RFID tag and the user receives an acknowledgement
receipt and an email. The Book Drop Box, stands out vividly right in front of the entrance to the library, as borrowers return
their book before the due date. The machine buries the book in its entirety and after a few seconds of whirring, the user
receives a receipt and an email, confirming the transaction. The Book Drop Box facility is available throughout the day for
users who do not have a pending fine. Two days before a book’s due date, a book return reminder email comes in handy for
users
forgetful students. An automated alert / acknowledgement will reach the individual users through official email ID for all
transactions (like issue, return, renewal, overdue payment and due reminder), says our librarian Dr. V. Krishnamurthy.

An UG student can borrow 6 books for a period of 14 days and Faculty members can borrow a maximum of 9 books for a
period of 90 days (excluding all Saturday, Sunday & declared holidays). Recently more than 1000 books under fiction and kids
story books have been added to the repository for the befit of students and children of faculty also. With the advent of OPAC,
one can opt a renewal of the borrowing period without visiting the library. The library is open from 8 am in the morning to 7
pm during weekdays, and the librarian, along with his four-member team ensure smooth functioning of the library.
Needless to say, individuals can only operate in their own account as the transactions use biometric authentication. PSG
Needless
iTech’s Central Library is a prime example of technology converging with comfort, as it clearly stands out to offer a
hassle-free experience for passionate readers.

Automation and Simplicity are a common sight at the
iTech Central Library!

27 | PSG iTECH | TARANGINI | VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 2