RFID systems have already been placed in about 300 libraries in the United States and millions of books are tagged. All staff members will need thorough training, but the initial priority should fall on staff who are working in IT and technical services, along with those involved in processing acquisitions or the tagging project. Particularly in branches with self-service, library staff members will need to plan ways to train patrons to use the new system. Libraries began using RFID in the mid-1990s to increase efficiencies for both library users and staff.
This might include brochures and other printed materials, training videos on the library website, or signage to guide patrons. Library staff members should also explain the steps they take and educate patrons about the new system even when circulation is being performed by staff. CXJ RFID in library offers many benefits, including the potential for greater workflow streamlining and the reduction of inventory loss with highly customizable systems. However, library management will need to carefully determine whether this type of system meets the library’s particular needs based on more factors than cost alone.
Any library RFID installation will necessitate careful research and planning with an eye to detail in any potentially affected area of library workflow. RFID Technology and Terminology: Preparing to Evaluate RFID for Your Library. RFID in library is a data collection technology that relies on radio waves to automatically identify items – which in the case of the library includes books, CDs, DVDs, videos, etc. The technology transfers data from an RFID tag to a reader and then to the library’s circulation database.
When the system becomes fully operational, RFID readers will be found at each checkout station and in the security gates at each public entrance. RFID technology is already being used in a wide variety of settings such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and retail to name a few. No personal information is recorded on the RFID tags when an item is checked out or checked in. The only information stored on the tag is the barcode of the item. RFID in library applications do not have an internal power source or transmitter.
The Library takes reasonable steps to safeguard its circulation system and prevent unauthorized access to it, and complies with all State Laws regarding Public Records, specifically library circulation records. Therefore, they can only be read from a distance of two feet or less when the tag reflects a signal from an RFID reader. The radio waves in the library’s RFID system operate at 13.56 MHz, which is at the low-end of the electromagnetic spectrum.
