Library Security Solutions

TAGIT EM Library Security Gates & LABELS

EM Security for Books & Media

TAGIT provides EM security labels and library security systems for books, media and other library materials.

Compatible with major EM library security systems, including:
3M · Sentry · Certus · Dialoc · Gateway · Knogo

Compatibility with Meto/Checkpoint, Sensormatic and other EM systems.

Key Benefits

Your Benefits

TAGIT patented 3D EM detection technology

RELIABLE EM LABEL DETECTION

TAGIT EM systems provide consistent detection across multiple EM label orientations for reliable library theft protection.

Booster bag resistance for TAGIT EM library security systems

BOOSTER BAG DETECTION

TAGIT EM systems can detect compatible EM security labels concealed inside foil-lined booster bags and support specialized protection for CDs, DVDs and other challenging media.

Cost-efficient TAGIT EM library security pedestal

FLEXIBLE LABEL OPTIONS

TAGIT offers Tail Tags and compact EM label formats for books, media and other library materials, supporting different security and application requirements.

Silent operation of TAGIT EM library security pedestals

QUIET OPERATION

TAGIT EM systems are designed for quiet operation, making them suitable for libraries, archives and other noise-sensitive environments.

Flexible installation of TAGIT EM library security pedestals

FLEXIBLE SYSTEM RANGE

Choose from a range of TAGIT EM systems designed for different entrance layouts, performance requirements and architectural environments.

Quality assurance for TAGIT EM library security pedestals

QUALITY ASSURANCE

TAGIT EM systems undergo controlled quality testing to support reliable performance and long-term operation.

EM vs. RFID: Which Library Security System Is Right?

EM and RFID are two widely used technologies for library security and management, but they serve different purposes. EM systems focus primarily on library theft prevention, while RFID systems can combine item identification, inventory management, circulation, self-checkout and security functions.

EM Library Security Systems

Electromagnetic (EM) library security systems provide dedicated theft protection using discreet EM security labels installed in books and other library materials. EM is particularly suitable for libraries where reliable theft detection is the primary security requirement.

RFID Library Systems

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) library systems use RFID tags to identify individual items and can support inventory management, circulation, self-checkout and security functions through integration with a Library Management System (LMS).

Which is better for a library: EM or RFID?
‍
Neither technology is universally better. EM is primarily focused on dedicated theft protection, while RFID offers broader identification and library-management capabilities. The right choice depends on the library's security, inventory, circulation and operational requirements. EM and RFID can also be used as complementary technologies.

EM vs. RFID: Key Differences

A side-by-side comparison of Electromagnetic (EM) security systems and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems:

Comparison
EM
Electromagnetic
Security Focus
RFID
Radio Frequency Identification
Inventory Focus
Primary Purpose
Theft prevention (EAS - Electronic Article Surveillance)
Inventory tracking & self-service checkouts
Tag Type
Small, flexible EM strip inside the book spine
RFID label/tag inside the book cover
Detection Reliability
Detects books even when stacked, near metal, or hidden under clothing
Can be affected by metal interference or body shielding
Deactivation & Reactivation
Manual deactivation required at checkout
Automatic deactivation during self-checkout
Security Gates
Works with EM security gates, ensuring books cannot be removed without deactivation
RFID gates only detect tagged books when actively scanned
Integration Requirement
No integration needed – standalone security system
Requires software integration with Library Management System (LMS)
Cost
Lower initial cost, simple setup
Higher cost due to system complexity
Self-Checkout Compatibility
Not designed for self-checkout systems
Supports self-service kiosks with RFID readers
Inventory Management
No inventory tracking – security-focused only
Tracks books in real-time with RFID scanners
Durability
EM strips last 20+ years (no electronics)
RFID tags have a lifespan of 10+ years, affected by wear
Shelf Scanning
Manual scanning required for inventory
RFID handheld scanners allow quick inventory checks
Installation Complexity
Easy to install – requires gates & deactivation unit
More complex – requires software, scanners, and trained staff
Future Expansion
Standalone system, no software dependency
Expandable – integrates with access control, self-checkout kiosks, and digital systems

EM vs. RFID: Key Differences

A side-by-side comparison of Electromagnetic (EM) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies used in libraries.

Comparison
EM Library Security
RFID Library Systems
Primary PurposeDedicated theft prevention and Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)Item identification, inventory management, circulation, self-service and security
Tag TypeThin EM security label inserted discreetly into books or other library materialsRFID tag containing a chip and antenna, typically applied inside the item
Security DetectionDedicated EM detection of active security labels at controlled exitsRFID security gates detect appropriately configured/tagged items passing through the detection zone
Activation / DeactivationEM labels can be activated and deactivated for circulationSecurity status can be managed electronically as part of the RFID circulation workflow
Security GatesWorks with compatible EM EAS library security gatesWorks with compatible RFID library security gates
System IntegrationCan operate as a dedicated standalone security systemOften integrated with a Library Management System (LMS) for circulation and item management
Security FocusDedicated physical theft protection at library exitsCombines item identification with security and library-management functions
Self-ServicePrimarily designed for security rather than item identificationWell suited to automated circulation and self-service workflows
Inventory ManagementDoes not identify individual books or provide inventory dataEnables identification of individual tagged items and supports efficient inventory processes
Metal & Challenging MaterialsSpecialized EM labels are available for media and other challenging materialsRFID performance can depend on tag type, placement, materials and surrounding environment
Shelf ScanningNot designed for electronic item identification or shelf inventoryRFID readers can support rapid shelf and inventory scanning
InstallationSecurity-focused infrastructure with EM gates and compatible activation/deactivation equipmentCan include RFID gates, readers, self-service equipment, software and LMS integration
Best Suited ForLibraries prioritizing dedicated theft protectionLibraries seeking identification, circulation, inventory and self-service capabilities alongside security

Why Choose EM for Library Security?

EM library security systems are designed specifically for theft prevention. While RFID can support inventory management, circulation and self-service, EM provides dedicated security for books, media and other library materials.

RELIABLE EM DETECTION

Discreet EM security labels provide dedicated theft protection for books, media and other library materials at controlled exits.

STANDALONE SECURITY SYSTEM

EM security can operate independently of a Library Management System (LMS), providing dedicated theft protection without requiring item identification or inventory integration.

DISCREET & DURABLE LABELS

Thin EM security labels can be discreetly inserted into books and other library materials and are designed for long-term security applications.

COMPATIBILITY WITH EM SYSTEMS

TAGIT offers EM library security labels for many existing and legacy EM systems. Compatibility depends on the specific label format and system configuration.

3T EM Tail Tags – Alternative to 3M™ Tattle-Tape® for Libraries

STANDARD – 3T Tag
Reliable EM library security label for everyday book protection.
Discreet EM security label for library books
Slim design for insertion into the book gutter
Double-sided adhesive with extended release-fabric tails
Suitable for compatible TAGIT, 3M™, Dialoc and other EM library security systems
PREMIUM – 3T Tag
High-signal EM library security label for applications requiring enhanced detection performance.
High-signal EM security element
Designed for demanding library security applications
Discreet installation inside the book gutter
Suitable for compatible TAGIT, 3M™, Dialoc and other EM library security systems

Looking for an alternative to traditional 3M™ Tattle-Tape® library security labels? Contact TAGIT to discuss the right 3T Tail Tag for your library.

Premium EM EAS Security System

TAGIT Premium is an electromagnetic (EM) EAS security system designed for reliable asset protection in libraries, institutions, pharmacies, bookstores and other security-sensitive environments.

Manufactured from high-quality acrylic, the Premium system combines transparent design with reliable EM label detection. System configuration and installation distance can be adapted to the entrance layout and local electromagnetic environment.

TAGIT Premium supports specialized applications involving EM labels on metal-containing products and EM labels concealed by aluminium foil, making it suitable for challenging asset-protection environments.

  • RELIABLE EM LABEL DETECTION
  • DETECTS EM LABELS ON METAL-CONTAINING PRODUCTS
  • DETECTS EM LABELS CONCEALED BY ALUMINIUM FOIL
  • DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING (DSP)
  • EXTERNAL ALARM & CAMERA INTEGRATION
  • PREMIUM TRANSPARENT ACRYLIC DESIGN
Color Variant
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Technical Specifications
Expand technical specifications
Antenna Dimensions
Height: 161 cm / 63 in · Width: 67 cm / 26 in · Base thickness: 9 cm / 3.5 in
Input Voltage
100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, grounded
Power Consumption
max. 130VA per antenna
TX Frequency
Approx. 200 Hz
Master Antenna Weight
41 kg
Slave Antenna Weight
40.8 kg
Power Supply Weight
6 kg
Alarm Functions
Visual and audible alarm; optional NO/NC relay output; programmable sound and light alarm sequences

Premium Light EM EAS Security System

TAGIT Premium Light is an electromagnetic (EM) EAS security system designed for reliable theft prevention and asset protection in retail and other security-sensitive environments.

Manufactured from high-quality acrylic, Premium Light combines a transparent, contemporary design with reliable EM label detection. The system can be configured for different entrance layouts, with detection performance depending on the system configuration and local electromagnetic environment.

Premium Light supports challenging applications, including EM labels on metal-containing products and EM labels concealed by aluminium foil. Standard colors are white and black, with additional colors available upon request.

  • RELIABLE EM LABEL DETECTION
  • DETECTS EM LABELS ON METAL-CONTAINING PRODUCTS
  • DETECTS EM LABELS CONCEALED BY ALUMINIUM FOIL
  • DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING (DSP)
  • FLEXIBLE SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
  • TRANSPARENT ACRYLIC DESIGN
Color Variant
REQUEST A PROPOSAL
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Technical Specifications
Expand technical specifications
Antenna Dimensions
Height: 158 cm / 62 in · Width: 69 cm / 27 in · Base thickness: 9 cm / 3.5 in
Input Voltage
100 V — 240 Vac; 50/60Hz; grounded
Power Consumption
max. 130VA per antenna
TX Frequency
Approx. 200 Hz
Weight Master Antenna
27 kg
Weight Slave Antenna
26.8 kg
Power supply
6 kg
Alarm
visual / audio signal
optional (NO/NC Relay output)
programmable sound and light alarm sequences
‘’The Tagit EM Library Security Gates are extremely stylish, hugely reliable, and will cost you SO MUCH less than the competition will try to charge. We have been successfully installing Tagit EM library anti-theft security gates here in the UK for two decades, and have nothing but praise for Tagit’s quality, performance, and after sales support.’’
Keith Rathmill from S A Secure UK, TAGIT partner

Keith Rathmill

Technical Sales Manager, S A Secure Ltd

EM Library Security FAQ

Where should an EM security label be placed in a book?

For discreet book protection, an EM security label can be inserted between the pages toward the back of the book. The appropriate position may vary depending on the book format and label type.

Can two EM labels be placed at 90 degrees to improve detection?

Using two EM labels in different orientations may improve detection in some situations, but it can make activation and deactivation more complicated. For this reason, it is generally not recommended.

Can EM security labels be cut or shortened?

No. Cutting or shortening an EM security label can reduce its detection performance and may prevent reliable operation. Use the label in its intended dimensions.

Are TAGIT EM antennas and accessories safe for library staff and visitors?

TAGIT EM security equipment is designed for use in libraries and other public environments. Installation and operation should follow the applicable product instructions, safety requirements and local regulations.

How many times can an EM security label be activated and deactivated?

Compatible reusable EM security labels can be activated and deactivated repeatedly during normal library circulation.

TAGIT EM LIBRARY SECURITY SYSTEMS