A study of UHF-RFID data model construction in university libraries

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to put forward a Ultra-high Frequency Radio Frequency Identification (UHF-RFID) data model construction scheme for university libraries, hoping to realize the opening, uniform, compatible and interoperable RFID application between different libraries and manufacturers. Design/methodology/approach - This article uses the practical application needs of university libraries as the starting point, and proposes the UHF-RFID data model construction scheme for university libraries based on the study of applicable standards, such as ISO 28560. Findings - Based on practical application demand of university libraries and some international standards, the paper puts forward an UHF-RFID data model construction scheme for university libraries. First, the scheme explains and defines six user data elements different from ISO28560: version, owner library identifiers, temporary item location, subject, International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) and International Standard Book Number (ISBN). Furthermore, different encoding rules for electronic product code (EPC) data area and user data area are designed to achieve maximum work efficiency. Practical implications - This paper tries to bring forward a set of referential UHF-RFID data model standards for university libraries. Hopefully, this standard will offer uniform data models for university libraries to comply with, integrate the disordered market and further make the opening, unified, compatible and interoperable RFID application possible. Originality/value - Although there are several formally published RFID standard documents, they are primarily designed for high frequency RFID technology. Concerning UHF-RFID technology, there are still no internationally unified data model standards. Hence, this paper brings forward the UHF-RFID data model construction scheme for university libraries.