**2. Literature review**

This section begins with a study of the Internet of Things and its characteristics before highlighting the shortcomings of the present smart library systems using IoT technology. This will assist identify the gap that exists in the systems already in use. Before illustrating the quality of seat occupancy and reservation, a description of SA university library operations, smart systems, and IoT-based smart library systems is given. By highlighting the gap in the literature, outlining the shortcomings of the current seat occupancy and reservation systems, and concluding with a summary of the chapter, related works are accessed to provide a thorough understanding of the IoT-based smart library seat occupation and reservation systems currently in use.

### **2.1 The nature of the Internet of Things**

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the trending technology that simplifies lives nowadays and it also enables the real, digital and virtual convergence to develop smart surroundings that make energy, transport, cities and many other areas more intelligent [4]. Internet of Things describes a system that connects daily things embedded with electronics, software and sensors to the Internet enabling them to gather and exchange data [1]. According to the Jayawardena et al. [11], four communication models, namely device-to-device, device-to-cloud, device-to-gateway and back-end data sharing, affect the IoT. These four communication models describe how IoT

objects connect with one another to exchange data. Organizations can effectively leverage the adaptability of IoT connections to suit their various purposes by utilizing the various communication methods. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the connecting of common objects or things for interaction and data sharing for planning, processing, or decision-making, as can be inferred from the aforementioned.

According to Boboc and Cebuc [4], all tangible and intangible things in our daily life are predicted to be connected to the Internet purposely to advance the way people live, work or interact. Nevertheless, Goyal et al. [12] stated that IoT affords all tangible and intangible things with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without needing human-to-human or human-to computer interaction. Hence, its objective is to enhance our everyday devices and appliances to be less sophisticated, automated, flexible and highly accessible at any time, from anywhere, to any user across the world [1]. For this reason, IoT has bridged across various application fields, and it combines many technologies [13].

Boboc and Cebuc [4] defined Internet of Things as an innovative technology that incorporates billions of smart objects into our daily life to enhance social, technical, and economic benefits. According to Mohamed et al. [5], the application of Internet of Things will enhance the value of education process in the education environment because it will allow students to learn quickly.

#### **2.2 IoT technologies**

IoT links heterogeneous items together, using embedded systems, such as wireless connectivity, computers and wireless smart sensors. According to Jha et al. [14], there are several technologies utilized by IoT such as Internet protocols, communication technologies, CPS, WSN, RFID, and condition awareness [15]. They further categorized devices like storage devices, servers for computing data, security devices for protection, control devices, devices for sensing, capturing, and generating data and some portable devices as the hardware part of IoT. Similarly, Alam et al. [16] highlighted the fact that a few of the technologies related to IoT-enabling include actuator, radio-frequency identification (RFID), wireless sensor network, Near-Field Communication (NFC), M2M communication, and IPv6 over Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN).

Furthermore, Goyal et al. [12] stated that IoT devices which are utilized for monitoring and tracking comprise of small silicon chips with finest processing capabilities. Communication technologies like GPRS, GSM, Mesh Network, LTE, ZigBee and Wi-Fi are utilized. Contrasting to this, technologies such as NFC, RFID, GNSS & BLE are employed in tracking. However, for detecting vibration, pressure, temperature and humidity, it uses sensors powered by small battery, short burst power bank and solar energy [12].

According to Bansal and Kumar [17], IoT works with emerging technologies like big data, artificial intelligence, Wi-Fi, networking technology and sensing instruments because it is an analytical system. This supports the idea that IoT works best when combined with a variety of technological solutions. However, Albishi et al. [18] noted that the majority of IoT frameworks call on technologies including networking setups, cloud computing setups, internet, and other software applications. Hence, they recognized situation awareness and cognition, autonomy, cloud computing, semantic technologies and semantic technologies as linked future internet technologies for the Internet of Things.

*A Systematic Review on IoT-Based Smart Technologies for Seat Occupancy and Reservation… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.113329*

Berek [19] stated that the RFID technology has been used in libraries for years and since its appearance, there has been remarkable solutions applied in the libraries field according to their special requirements. Libraries are gaining new opportunities owing to the continuous technological growth. In accordance with Li [20], RFID is a wireless, non-contact technology that transmits data from a tag connected to a device to track and identify it. Hence, Misra et al. [21] noted that the use of RFID in IoT will support wireless connectivity of small devices and help maintain track of smart objects within the IoT framework in real time. Thus, Radio frequency waves are used for data exchange in the IoT and RFID technology combination to improve device connectivity. Nevertheless, businesses utilizing the IoT framework can connect various kinds of products devoid of transducers like wireless sensors and actuators. As a result, organizations like libraries can set up self-service features, maintain security and keep an eye on operations thanks to RFID.

## **2.3 Characteristics of IoT**

IoT describes a system that connects daily things embedded with electronics, software and sensors to the internet enabling them to gather and exchange data [1]. According to Mohamed et al. [5], IoT is one of the internet phenomena that has successfully disrupted our daily life. Hence, it has grown more popular and accepted in the institutions of higher learning to improve operations, thanks to the increasing use of smart devices and fast networks [3]. Thus, IoT has made it possible for devices to link directly to one another and to the cloud, which improves service delivery and management strategic planning in businesses [12]. Hence, Sundaravadivazhagan et al. [22] and Bayani et al. [2] characterized IoT as follows:


These characteristics are depicted as follows (**Figure 1**).

**Figure 1.** *IoT characteristics (adapted from: [2, 22]).*

### **2.4 IoT applications**

The Internet of Things (IoT) applications are categorized into a wide range of application domains, including wearables, smart homes, smart cars, smart infrastructure, smart healthcare, agriculture, manufacturers, supply chains, logistics, social and business applications [23]. As more devices connect to the Internet and become IoT enabled, the number of IoT applications is growing [24]. Today's commonplace applications make use of smart devices. They can 'speak' with one another and exchange vital information and data [10]. Hence, the adoption of traditional distributed system programming methods is hindered by the unique characteristics and needs that each application area possesses [23].

#### **2.5 Smart systems**

In the academic community, the term "intelligent" or "smart" systems refers to a wide notion with the aim of maximizing productivity through the application of cutting-edge information, communication and computing technology [1]. The advancements in general IoT research provided the ability to utilize intelligent systems in industrial applications. The idea of "smart" in this context, has more in common with Industry 4.0 than with conventional logic. It includes complex logical operations and algorithms; it is not merely limited to simple logical operators. While describing systems as "smart," there have been some misconceptions in this area of research. Often, researchers will classify a wireless or automated system as "smart". A machine that relies on input signals, range comparisons, triggers and output, cannot be referred to as intelligent and is merely an automated system. The use of smart techniques in emerging systems is assisting in reducing times, the demand for manpower, and the level of skill required to maintain the systems and improve the quality of the

*A Systematic Review on IoT-Based Smart Technologies for Seat Occupancy and Reservation… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.113329*

output. Using cutting-edge learning methods, such as machine learning, IoT and AI can strengthen and broaden this idea [25].

There are several practical uses for IoT technology, including Industry 4.0, smart agriculture, smart cities, smart transportation, smart homes, eHealth, and wearables [25–27]. According to Boboc and Cebuc [4], all tangible and intangible things in our daily life are predicted to be connected to the Internet purposely to advance the way people live, work, or interact. Hence, Industry 4.0's objective is to enhance our everyday devices and appliances to be less sophisticated, automated, flexible and highly accessible at any time, from anywhere, to any user across the world [1].

#### **2.6 Development of the IoT-based smart library**

Naturally, the term "smart library" implies that libraries have developed to the point where they are now a crucial element of smart cities or smart university campuses [19]. Smart technologies are also being used in every aspect of library services and workflows. To improve the service experience for users, libraries have shown persistence in implementing new technologies. As a result, the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in libraries has raised discussion in the academic community. Devices may now connect directly with one another and with the cloud thanks to IoT, which improves the delivery of services in businesses. It is undeniable that the application of IoT promises a brighter future for libraries [8], but research is needed to determine how well libraries will embrace this trend, considering its prospects and challenges. Even though the use of IoT in libraries is growing and that there is an increase in research into the topic [10], a study that looks at libraries in developing nations reveals a knowledge gap.

#### *2.6.1 Components of an IoT-based smart library*

The traits and elements of a smart library can be divided into three categories, namely smart people, smart services and smart technology [28]. These elements working together, is a prerequisite for a smart library. At the same time, the smart library cannot be realized if any one of the following conditions are not met:


Users must demand the possibilities provided by new technologies, but librarians must also be able to explain the new method of working to library patrons and educate them about it, in addition to simply understanding it themselves. These elements interact, but they also reinforce and strengthen one another in all directions. The component parts work together to create a complicated whole.

The availability of technology is one of the elements that defines smart libraries [10]. The way services are organized will be affected by how technology is adapted

and used in other fields. The online systems of the library are made possible by a variety of technologies, including wireless systems, RFID, LED and the Internet of Things (IoT) technology [13]. Although it may be argued that these technologies alone do not form a smart library, it is impossible to develop the services that today's library customers have come to expect without them [10].

#### *2.6.1.1 Challenges of IoT in libraries*

The current condition of IoT in libraries in developing nations varies from one library type to another and from one country to another, even though technological maturity is a factor in adopting improvements [3]. According to Patel et al. [28], optimal resource management is still a difficulty, given that IoT infrastructure is unevenly spread globally and is focused on high-income nations, even though the integration of intelligent technology offers limitless potential in precise university libraries. This suggests that the existing level of universities involvement in IoT deployment is insufficient to ensure the innovation is adopted as best as possible [10]. Hence, Bayani et al. [2], mentioned that universities should build up systems that encourage the use of new technologies to assist technical advancements. Their assistance in assuring a steady electrical supply, lowering ICT tariffs, and guaranteeing greater network bandwidth with improved connectivity in pub spaces would therefore be expected to influence libraries in poor countries to adopt IoT [28].

According to Liang [10], high security and privacy standards are necessary for IoT, which is why they have turned into elements influencing its acceptance. The author pointed out that while using the IoT, libraries need to warn users about the potential vulnerability of their network, hardware and software. Additionally, there is a risk that some of these devices or connecting tools could have user interface vulnerabilities when multiple devices are interconnected or made to perform interactively [23]. This creates significant privacy and security concerns for IoT applications in libraries. Libraries must therefore implement measures to protect their infrastructure from any risks and hazards posed by IoT applications [10, 23].

The adoption of a certain technology used in IoT may be impacted by physical risk, which is a person's concern that it could be harmful, dangerous, or unhealthy, according to Mani and Chouk [24]. Therefore, when library staff and customers perceive using IoT as being of high risk, it will have a negative impact on its uptake.

#### *2.6.1.2 Overview of the library seat occupancy and reservation systems*

According to Daniel et al. [3], the IoT model has been espoused in all study fields with emphasis on the connection of everything to the Internet. The Internet of Things is shifting generations from predictable systems to SMART systems and is mostly employed in urban areas [29]. Nevertheless, it has some implementation difficulties, such as the cost of IoT devices, its development and outline, technical standards and flexibility [7]. However, as declared by Daniel et al. [3], the adaptation of these technologies in the library system eases challenges faced by management concerning to self-servicing, monitoring and tracking of resources in the library.

This overview of the library seat occupancy and reservation systems further analyses the applications and functionalities of the existing IoT-based seat occupation and reservation systems and identifies the possible methods, tools and techniques for implementing an IoT-based smart library system.

#### *A Systematic Review on IoT-Based Smart Technologies for Seat Occupancy and Reservation… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.113329*

Most studies found that the use of numerous new technological inventions devised nowadays, are more advantageous because they can really simplify our lives [30–32]. One of these numerous new technological inventions and foremost drivers of the future smart spaces, is the Internet of Things (IoT) [1–3]. Boboc and Cebuc [4] define IoT as the sum of devices interconnected over the Internet, with data collection ability to monitor and control things remotely without human intervention. Therefore, the application of IoT will enhance the value of the educational process in the education environment because it will allow students to learn quickly [5].

Similarly, Abuarqoub et al. [1] describes IoT as a system that connects daily things embedded with electronics, software and sensors to the Internet, enabling them to gather and exchange data. According to Bayani et al. [2], IoT is utilizing smart features of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) technologies to change everyday life. Hence, its objective is to enhance our everyday devices and appliances to be less sophisticated, automated, flexible and highly accessible at any time, from anywhere, by any user across the world [1].

According to Brian et al. [6], the principle of developing a connected library system where users can use their mobile phones to connect to the library system, is advantageous and beneficial, since almost everyone nowadays has a smartphone device. Upala et al. [7] and Daniel et al. [3] concur that IoT can connect numerous devices to expand operational efficiency, real-time visibility and user learning experiences, because of its outstanding potential in the educational sector. They reveal that new research opportunities and feasible solutions are possible through the development of a smart library system utilizing IoT.

#### *2.6.1.3 Using the RFID technology system in libraries*

There are many places that are currently equipped with sensors for temperature detection, traffic automation, and vehicle and UAV autopilot [2]. Thus, IoT and its supporting technologies, such as M2M communications, V2V communications, RFID and NFC may power a variety of applications. Nevertheless, Bayani et al. [2], stated that IoT has a promising future with the increasing connectivity of devices and objects.

RFID is a barcode replacement that employs tiny microchips in tags to store and send extensive data in the database about the item being tagged [33]. Nevertheless, Hirekhan [34] described it as the usage of microchips and library cards, enabling clients to check out items by going through a self-service station equipped with an antenna that transmits low frequency radio waves. Hence, it is pointed out that it can be used to identify, track, sort, or detect library holdings at the circulation desk and during daily stock maintenance [34]. The notion of RFID can be compared to that of an electronic barcode. An RFID system primarily consists of the following four parts:


This technology made up of smart RFID labels, related hardware and software, gives libraries a better way to manage their collections while also giving their customers better service [35]. RFID-tag reading does not require manual interactions. The functions and advantages provided to the library with the utmost care using RFID technology include the reducing of manual involvement, reduced manual errors, and enabling quick book issuing, reissuing and searching [36]. Below are the advantages of RFID system:

Rapid Charging/Discharging: The usage of RFID shortens the time necessary to complete circulation processes. The information from RFID tags can be read much more quickly than from barcodes, and multiple objects in a stack can be scanned at once. This accounts for the biggest time saving. Despite being originally unreliable, the anti-collision algorithm that enables the charging or discharging of a whole stack currently seems to be performing smoothly since then.

Patron Self-Charging/Discharging Simplified: For patrons' self-charging, there has been a noticeable improvement because they are not needed to meticulously position materials within a specific template and they are able to charge multiple products at once. When customers self-dispense, staff no longer have to do the work. The installation of backdrop readers significantly relieves the staff's work.

High Reliability: You may rely on the readers. To detect the items leaving a library, certain RFID systems incorporate an interface between the exits sensor and the circulation system. If a customer hurries out of the library without being too closely observed, the library would at least be aware of what had been taken. The library will be able to identify who takes an item out without paying for it if the user card also includes an RFID tag. This is accomplished by creating a bit that serves as the "theft" bit and turning it off, both while charging and discharging.

Long Tag Life: Finally, RFID tags have a longer lifespan than barcodes since nothing touches them. Most RFID providers state that a tag can withstand at least 100,000 transactions before perhaps needing to be changed [37].

#### **2.7 Gaps in the literature**

Research on finding a solution to the issue of seat occupancy has increased recently. Upala et al. [7] constructed an IoT setting in an academic library, embedded with a security parameter of "face recognition" for user identification within library management. This was done in order to support library space management; such as study room occupancy service by using IoT applications. Their proposed solution was considered a quality intelligence system as it afforded participants such as students, staff and authorized users with a secured real-time view of library assets, to justify study room or conference room usage. However, their focus was on seat occupancy which does not include seat reservation. They define libraries as vital fragments of the educational system, used to advance our knowledge. Hence, several societal backgrounds have advanced because of the growth of IoT development of which the traditional library system is one [2].

Similar to Hoang et al. [31], Yahaya et al. [32] constructed a seat occupancy detector system, with both systems in the same context; using capacitance sensors as an innovative method to differentiate the seats occupancy by either subjects or objects. Both their systems were developed using a Raspberry Pi as main controller, integrated to a Wi-Fi module, along with a capacitance sensor chip. Their projects were intended to ease the congestion, especially during or before the test week and exam time, as

#### *A Systematic Review on IoT-Based Smart Technologies for Seat Occupancy and Reservation… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.113329*

these periods are a recurring problem for most libraries. Although, their results were unreliable as they failed to distinguish whether a seat has been occupied by a person or an object, they nevertheless showed the seat occupancy status. Hence, they pointed out that there is a need to advance their analytical algorithms to accurately distinguish the occupancy detection states.

Torres and Paul [31] employed a library seat occupancy counter to gather daily counts over time that would specify patterns in student preferences for study spaces and to also use that information to advance several library services. The researchers employed Microsoft Paint (MS Paint), Excel and Qualtrics (a survey and researching tool) [31]. However, their study does not report on how students engaged with space, and it also required student workers to manually enter the number of students occupied seats and their preference to get daily counts. Their methodology is not reliable as it could lead to students entering erroneous data which could produce invalid counts. Hence, they suggested that there is a need to develop a real-time seating visualization that would be available via an app, which could enable library users to check and reserve available seat based on their preference [31].

The issue of managing library seats was also addressed by Daniel et al. [3]. They described the planning and implementation of a solution that combined hardware and a web application to allow students and librarians to verify the identification of library seat occupants and the status of library seat occupancy from any location at any time over the Internet, using their devices or the display system at the library door. In the library, the prototype system of Daniel et al. [3] significantly reduced the amount of time students spent looking for a seat and making or receiving phone calls to other students. Nevertheless, their Web Application did not have any integrated privacy or visibility features.

Nevertheless, library users could not reserve a seat; their system only permitted the luxury of seat occupancy and monitoring. Daniel et al. [3] developed a prototype of a smart library seat occupant and occupancy information system, made of pressure (force-sensing resistor) and RFID sensors for library seats, which send real-time seat utilization status to the web application. The researchers recommended including a feature that would permit seat occupants to take a little break (reserve) while in the library in the future's smart library systems [3]. This is the gap that the researcher is hoping to fill with the current research.

Several studies were conducted in other countries regarding this most relevant concept of 'smart library' [31–32]. Researchers such as Brian et al. [6] and Bayani et al. [2] focused on helping students to find available books and reserving them online. However, most other studies focused on seat occupancy and seat monitoring [3, 31–32]. Nevertheless, to this date, as far as could be established, no one has attempted to investigate the smart library seat occupancy and reservation in SA.

According to Daniel et al. [3], "there is a need to integrate the University map into the web application to enable students within the university premises to reserve seats with their Unique Identification (UID), based on the estimated time of arrival at the library". This means that there is a gap in the literature and research on seat reservation based on estimated arrival time and reliable seat occupancy status, which needs to be filled.

Based on the main problem discussed in the problem statement, there is a need of inventing better, efficient, and convenient ways of saving time and energy to enhance academic services and excellence. Since technology is growing continuously, we should embrace it and advance with it too. As a result, several contemporary

technologies have been developed to integrate library seats with smart devices that enable library users to locate the study sections with open seats, thus resolving the issue of seat availability or reservation. Most commonly, these technologies make use of Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless sensor networks. The below **Table 1** shows a summary of different research methods, their results, research gaps and similarities on smart library seat occupancy and reservation systems as explained above under the heading named gaps in the literature. **Table 1** content described as follows:

Reference source - displays the names of the author(s) involved in the research study

Research problem – shows the research problem that the author(s) were trying to solve.

Research methods – a list of all the research methods the authors used to address the specific research problem.

Research result – demonstrates the solution the authors came up with for the issue they identified.


*A Systematic Review on IoT-Based Smart Technologies for Seat Occupancy and Reservation… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.113329*


#### **Table 1.**

*Summary of different research methods, their results, research gaps and similarities.*

Research gap(s) and similarity/difference – displays the remaining gaps surrounding the topic, what still needs to be done, how their research differs from and is comparable to the current research.
