In recent years, libraries have evolved from venues where people come to pick up books into community places for people to read, study, work and much more. As most of these activities require reliable internet access, there is no denying that providing stable connectivity is becoming a requirement for modern libraries.
Hence why more and more libraries are looking at efficient and secure ways to enable connectivity for their patrons, while ensuring that that connection is not used for malicious business. Having an open Wi-Fi broadcasted across the library facilities is not the way to, and provisioning separate credentials for internet connection for all users visiting the library is a big hassle.
Radiator has got you covered. Radiator AAA server seamlessly integrates with existing Library management system (LMS, also known as Integrated library system, ILS) providing patrons connectivity utilising the credentials from LMS, used for lending books.
How does it work?
The key to library Wi-Fi authentication with Radiator lies on 3M™ Standard Interchange Protocol 2.0, known as the SIP2 protocol. The SIP2 protocol provides an interface between a library’s management system and library automation devices. This is the same protocol used for automated self-check devices for loaning and returning library books, and the parameters that can be used for self-lending can also be used for Wi-Fi access.
Radiator authenticates patrons based on their existing patron credential, for example library card number and PIN code. This means libraries do not need to provision and store separate Wi-Fi credentials for patrons. The basic version of this configuration is very simple and Radiator’s scripts handle the communication with the library system. Essentially, in the library system’s view, Radiator is a self-service loaning device among the others.
This integration also enables further functionality. Radiator can be configured to do that if the patron has outstanding fines or fees that exceed an agreed threshold, their Wi-Fi access will be declined upon login. This is done by Radiator’s scripts and is a toggleable option within the Radiator configuration file. The access can be tied to patron status or other patron information, for example age restriction can be applied.
Swift commercial process, flexible testing
Radiator is priced based on the number of servers, which makes a single library deployment very cost-effective. Radiator’s flexible evaluation licences allow you to set up a test system and see the solution working before making any commitments.
If you are interested in deploying a secure, robust and affordable solution for your library connectivity, please contact our sales team at sales@radiatorsoftware.com
