Smart IoT Based Library Management

In the modern library system, the management of resources, encompassing books, journals, and various media, is a critical yet complex task. This system’s principal aim is to disseminate value-based knowledge efficiently, transcending mere factual information. However, the traditional manual methods of maintaining these resources have presented numerous challenges. The process of accurately storing and retrieving a vast collection of books is a significant hurdle for library staff. Typically, when books are returned by readers, they end up being stacked haphazardly, complicating the sorting process, which, if done manually, is both time-consuming and prone to errors. This inefficiency often leads to books being misplaced or not sorted into the correct sections, further complicating the task for both staff and users. Users, in particular, find it challenging to determine the availability of a book, unable to ascertain if it has been issued to someone else. To address these challenges, an innovative solution has been implemented. When a student returns books to the library, they are placed on a conveyor belt. As each book passes along the belt, its barcode is scanned, allowing for it to be automatically sorted into the respective department based on data stored in a database. This automation significantly streamlines the process, making it more efficient, faster, and accurate compared to the traditional manual sorting methods. Moreover, this system provides immediate feedback to students, sending them a notification once their books have been successfully returned. The use of barcode scanners for both issuing and sorting books enhances the overall efficiency and accuracy of the library’s operations. In instances where a book’s barcode is damaged, an image of the textbook is captured and sent to a webpage for sorting, ensuring no disruption in the process. The entire hardware setup, including the barcode scanning and sorting mechanism, is controlled by a Raspberry Pi, which also facilitates the uploading of books and student information to the cloud. This technological integration not only optimizes library management but also significantly improves the user experience, ensuring that the library continues to serve as a vital resource for students seeking knowledge.