Is a Desktop PAD Reader Likely to Be More Reliable Than Antennas Placed Vertically?

For library book issue and deposit, would such a reader be more reliable, or should multi-port antennas be vertically placed on one side? Are tags better placed inside or outside of books?

—Salim

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Salim,

It would be difficult to provide a definitive answer to your questions, as performance depends on many factors. I would say, though, that in general, a desktop PAD reader would likely be more reliable than antennas placed vertically. That's because the loop in the reader antenna would be closer to the tag antenna when a book was placed flat on the desktop PAD, and the loops in the antenna would be neatly aligned.

Almost all libraries put tags inside the front or back cover of books. There should be little difference in performance, since a book's cover should allow radio waves to penetrate easily. Placing a tag inside the cover protects it from damage.

—Mark Roberti, Founder and Editor, RFID Journal