Managing academic libraries presents a range of challenges, including stock taking, book weeding and theft prevention. At scale, wherein many university libraries have multiple buildings, this is an even bigger issue.
With the best will in the world, there are limitations to human intervention. This is where the Designer Clear Book Security System comes in. Sold and installed by AdvaNova, the Designer Clear has proven to be a hit with academic libraries throughout the UK, providing a simple-to-use security solution.
What is Designer Clear?
Designer Clear is a security device designed to stop the theft or unintentional removal of RFID tagged items from libraries. It comprises panels, which can be mounted on the floor as a permanent fixture or on a base plate for simple uninstallation.
Users pass through the ‘lane’ created by two or more panels. Designer Clear then uses radio frequency identification (RFID) to scan tags in library items. When a book or item has been checked out electronically, its security status changes. Similar to scanners in the retail space, Designer Clear will sound an alarm if it detects a book passing through that has not been properly checked out.
A wide variety of applications
The Designer Clear system is fully accessible thanks to its audible and visual alarms. It therefore acts as a deterrent to book theft, and can be used across a range of entrance hall sizes. For spaces larger than 1.2m, there are two options:
- To install three panels acting as two lanes for maximum scanning strength
- To use a specially designed wide-fit pair of panels, ideal for double doors.
It can also be installed as a temporary or permanent solution. For example, past AdvaNova projects have seen the Designer Clear being mounted onto a baseplate at a temporary entrance while a new building was under construction. Once the building was complete, the panels were bolted into the new permanent entrance floor for long-term use.
The Designer Clear security gates measure up to 1,200mm wide, which comfortably accommodates wheelchair users. There is also a standard floor ramp to allow easy access for wheelchairs and trolleys.
As Standard
The panels also come standard with an integrated visitor counter and data logging systems. This provides libraries with invaluable data on peak times, traffic flow and details of books that trigger the alarm.
By connecting with a customised dashboard, library managers can use this data to make key decisions. For example, the data may help them to:
- Identify which books have been taken without having been checked out
- Manage crowd control by looking at peak times and less popular times for library visits
- Allocate staff resource appropriately depending on library occupancy and specific tasks
This can help managers to save costs and cut back on time spent with manual jobs. Instead, library staff can focus on customer service, thereby improving the experience for everyone.
Security and cost savings rolled into one
The Designer Clear security gate system is a fully accessible solution that fits any venue’s needs. By integrating its RFID scanning with library book tags, it provides a simple audio and visual alert to suspicious activity.
In turn, it can save time and costs by helping library managers to analyse user patterns. This will help libraries to better manage their stock, ensuring students are served with the correct material. Likewise, staff will benefit from not having to locate lost books or manually keep watch over exits and entrances.
The Designer Clear has made significant impacts to libraries around the country. Narayana Harave, Digital Manager at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, said:
“The installation of our book security gates was seamless and stress-free thanks to the meticulous planning by team AdvaNova. They were happy to meet with our architects and builders to discuss the installation process in detail which was key to its success.”
“Three years later, we have had no issues and I am confident that should there be a problem, AdvaNova’s experienced engineers will have it fixed in no time at all.”
Sign-up to the read the full case study of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
If you’d like to see how Designer Clear could help you, contact the AdvaNova team today on:
Email: sales@advanova.co.uk
Telephone: 01582 769991
