For public or academic libraries, the Laptop self-service kiosk gives freedom to your students and visitors. During the initial decision to implement RFID and throughout the process itself, numerous issues must be given proper consideration. However, the rate at which libraries adopt it has recently increased dramatically; the number of libraries across the globe using RFID jumped from 600 to 900 between 2007 and 2009, reaching a total of approximately 3,000 libraries by 2012. In the past, RFID in libraries is often been perceived as primarily geared toward object, but an increasing number of academic and special libraries are finding it fits their own needs. This still does not take into account the functions drawing RFID in libraries.
Initial costs for RFID tags will include tags for the library’s entire collection (with room for error), but management must also consider the continuing cost of tags moving forward. As new holdings are purchased, they will require tagging (whether by the vendor or by library staff members). The library’s daily workflow will likely be disturbed, particularly if staff members have been tasked with the tagging.
While the cost of tags has steadily fallen over time, the library must set aside enough money based on its purchasing trends and material types (as specialized tags for media, such as DVDs and CDs, cost extra). Whether the library plans to pay a vendor to tag its materials or staff will be expected to do so, this also constitutes a cost, either as set payments or in the cost of staff hours. An CXJ RFID tag is placed on every library item with the barcode number of that item stored on the tag.
If library staff members will be tagging materials, schedule considerations will require calculation to ensure RFID in libraries workflow is not disturbed or staff is overtaxed. While the time required for tagging individual items does not constitute a significant investment, when multiplied by thousands or millions of holdings, the commitment becomes extensive. Alternatively, the collection may be pulled in stages, allowing the library to remain open, only using the RFID system once tagging is completed.
As portions of the collection become unavailable, patrons’ ability to use the library may be disturbed regardless of the library remaining open. Careful attention will have to be paid to the library’s typical workflow, the patrons’ needs, and calculation of the time required to complete the project. In addition, any books not present in the library during the tagging must be tagged once returned, as must newly purchased books. Even when the library hires a vendor to process the books before they are received, time will still need to be taken to verify that they have been tagged correctly.
