BIOMETRICS Libraries have begun to see the value

BIOMETRICS: Libraries have begun to see the value of biometrics. M. G. SELVI Technical Officer Center of Advanced Study in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras.

INTRODUCTION n Biometrics is the Science and Technology of Measuring and Analyzing Biological data.

It is an Automated Method of recognizing a person based on a Physiological or Behavioral characteristics The Features measured are, face finger print hand geometry hand writing iris voice blood vessels in the retina coloration in the cornea of the eye DNA from tissue samples

Biometric-Based Authentication Dr. S. R. RANGANATHAN, Father of Library Science said, “ The Right Book to the Right Reader at the Right Time ” n At present distinguishing “The Right Person” from an imposter is the key to security and trust. n Biometric based solution provide u Personal data privacy u Confidential financial transaction n

Biometric-base authentication applications include Workstation n Network and Domain access n Single Sign-on n Application logon n Data Protection n Remote access to resources n Transaction security and n Web security. n

Biometric Device – Fingerprint n Finger Print is u not easily borrowed, u lost u stolen u forgotten u falsified or u guessed.

Biometrics and Libraries In libraries, finger print identification has the additional benefits of o. Convenience o. Customer confidence o. Prevent theft and vandalism o. Prevent unauthorized & fraudulent use o. Improves safety o. Accuracy and o. Security

Biometric Finger Scanners It consists of o A reader or scanning device o Software that converts the scanned information into Digital form and compares match points o A Database that stores the Biometric data for comparison

Biometric System Finger print identification process consists of two essential procedures n Enrollment n Authentication No person’s finger prints are identical to those of another individual!

Comparison for identification A Verification n An Identification System It conducts a one-toone comparison (1: 1) many (1: N) to determine whether comparison to the identity is true. establish a subject’s identity. eg. Accessing an online secure data source. eg. Front counter checkin n

Benefits of Biometrics in Libraries From LIBRARY POINT OF VIEW n Recurring cost for Library card eliminated n Easy and foolproof verification of end user n Rack management for book retrieval n Dynamic & easy searching of books n Online budget and account maintenance n Instant reports n No misuse of authority n Full inventory control

From Student/ Member point of view • • • Problems due to library card will be eliminated. No misuse of library card is possible due to fingerprint. Searching of complete library on a fingertip without scanning whole manual register. No time wastage in issuing/returning of books Control in Library Internet Access, Self check out systems and Electronic media control (DVDs, CDs).

Diagram explaining biometric needs for employees & members in libraries

ACCESS – Interior and/or Exterior Door Access MEMBER – I. D. Theft Prevention for Employees and Members TIME – Employee Time and Attendance CENTRAL SERVER AND MANAGER EMPLOYEES MEMBERS TELLER – File Cabinet and Drawer Access NON-MEMBERS PASSWORD – Password management & Control for Computers, Websites, Application & Corporate Networks

BIOMETRICS IN PC ACCESS, NETWORK ACCESS, PASSWORD ELIMINATION IN LIBRARIES · Protects individual PCs and Network Access. · Reduce IT helpdesks calls for password resets. · Authenticate who is accessing what PC, Network, and application with exceptional accuracy. · Associate a single fingerprint with as many or as few passwords or PINs on a system. Single sign or convenience for application and websites. · Logon automatically without having to type in another password.

· Eliminate the security risks of written down passwords. · Protects passwords from most key logging viruses. · Prevent stolen or Borrowed passwords. · Easy to use and enroll fingerprint profiles. · Easy installation.

Web-Based Biometric Authentication System (WBAS)

The authentication can be done by: · Fingerprint only (needs a fingerprint reader) · Face only (needs a webcam/camera) · Fingerprint and Face (needs a fingerprint reader and a webcam/camera)

Biometrics and smart card system n Biometrics add an additional layer of security to a smart card system n Smart cards provide the “something you have”factor. The “Something you know”is usually a PIN n Integrating a finger print scanner into a smart card reader increases security by adding “something you are” n

Biometrics in INDIA India which is perpetually under the threat of terrorism and security breach, is gearing up to adopt various biometric methods. It is used in • Defense and Security Industry • Police Administration • Finance Ministry (PANs) • Home Affairs (IDs) • Libraries

BIOMETRICS INDIA EXPO 2007: The First International Conference and Exhibition of Biometric Technologies and Applications will be held at PRAGATI MAIDAN, NEW DELHI, September 1315, 2007.

CONCLUSION Technology is growing rapidly, but at the same time security breaches and transaction frauds are also in the increase world over. All agencies including Libraries who are in need of security, surveillance and safety have to adopt biometrics. “THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON WHAT WE DO IN THE PRESENT” -MAHATMA GANDHI Let us hope for a safe and secure future!

Thank you,