Developing an IoTs Smart Box prototype with API for Burapha University Library

Abstract

Due to the inconvenience of requesting online resources with complicated procedures and the COVID-19 pandemic situation that made accessing resources at Burapha University Library difficult, this research aimed to: 1) develop a prototype and study the efficiency of a smart book return system for Burapha University Library; and 2) compare the traditional service (Book in Boxes) with the prototype smart book return system of Burapha University Library (Smart Box). This research employed a Research and Development (R&D) methodology, consisting of four main steps: 1) analyzing the problem by observing service users and interviewing staff; 2) studying basic information about Smart Libraries, the BUU App, and API and IoTs technologies; 3) designing and developing a prototype smart book return system using IoTs devices and connecting to the automated library system via API; and 4) verifying the efficiency and evaluating the quality by experts through a focus group discussion. To address this problem, the researchers developed a modern smart book return system prototype (Smart Box) by applying IoTs and API technologies in conjunction with the automated library system.This allows service users to borrow books online quickly and conveniently by simply scanning their student ID cards or using a mobile application to receive books from the smart book return box. This innovation was verified by a focus group of five experts in information technology and automated library systems. The prototype system was tested with a group of 30 service users, including students, faculty, staff, and three library staff members. The experimental results showed that the system operated correctly 100%of the time, reducing staff service time from 24.04 minutes to 2.10 minutes and user service time from 61 seconds to 8 seconds when compared to the traditional system (Book in Boxes). Furthermore, the system increased user convenience by 87.05\% and reduced service time by 91.26%. Experts agreed that this system is beneficial for facilitating convenience, reducing operational errors, and can be further developed for other services. Therefore, the Smart Box system is considered a significant prototype for applying technology to develop public services to create an equitable learning society.