LAT Report on Nick May's RFID in Action

You’ve undoubtedly heard about Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as it is being implemented by Walmart to track and inventory stock. This same technology is also being used by libraries with great success to replace existing barcode and security systems.

Nick May of the Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) gave an informative presentation about the acquisition and implementation of RFID and self-checkout in VBPL including strategies, application decisions, planning, and implementing lessons learned.

__Key Points from Our Notes__:

• Marketed concept to both staff and community prior to deployment, including addressing privacy issues (library RFID tags are passive and represent no threat to privacy).
• Conversion can be accomplished in under 30 days.
• Software is still first generation and RFID tags cost approximately $.50 each, but as the technology matures, prices are coming down.
• RFID tags replace both your barcodes and security tapes.
• Old metal security tapes will need to be either disabled or removed.
• A stack of books can be borrowed or returned with one scan. Likewise a whole shelf of books can be scanned at once for inventory. No individual handling of books.
• Self-checkout has been successful beyond expectations thereby representing a considerable savings.
• Learned many lessons along the way including non-technical issues, such as making sure the self-checkout station has sufficient desk space for the patron to put books.

Wikipedia has an excellent entry on RFID if you would like to read more about the technology, how it is being used, and the controversy surrounding it.

Karen Mitchell and Jane Reeves

Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Library Automation Team (LAT) Members