RFID in Libraries

Those responding to my query indicated that they wanted to hear about new library implementations.

From the Sioux City Journal:

Regarding the Public Library’s CIP, director Betsy Thompson asked for $273,000 in 2007 to purchase and install a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. That system would combine theft detection and inventory control in a single system for all books, publications and other items checked out at the libraries.

RFID readers would replace the bar code laser scanners now in use. New security gates would alert staff when someone attempted to remove an item from the buildings without first checking it out and would identify the item being removed.

Under this system, patrons would be able to check out their own library materials instead of waiting in a check-out line. That would free up library staff for other duties.

Thompson estimated it would take from six to 10 months to install the new system in phases. Under her proposal, a state grant would contribute $45,000 and private contributions would pick up another $25,000 of the cost, leaving $203,000 to be paid for out of general obligation bonds.

Early registration for the NISO/Texas Center for Digital Knowledge institute on RFID technologies closes on 9/23.

More info about the conference at http://www.niso.org/news/events_workshops/RFID-05-wkshp.html

Notwithstanding the privacy uproar in the United States, the Botany Library in Manukau, New Zealand library has garnered an award for innovative use of technology for implementing RFID in their library.

The folks at Berkeley Public Library have a new Frequently Asked Questions about RFID posted on their main page.

It provides the historical timeline of Berkeley PL’s RFID installation and addresses the privacy issues.

The library will be having a Community Forum on August 1 6:30-9:30pm. From their website:

Come learn how RFID works, in general, and how it functions in a library setting. One group of expert panelists will address issues of RFID technology such as: What It Is, Uses & Experience; Software Technology; and Public Health and Ergonomic Issues. A second group of expert panelists will address RFID policy issues such as: Privacy; Security; Best Practices. There will be time set aside for questions and comments from the community.

The consulting firm Research and Markets has released a report on Best Practices of Public Library Information Directors.

Before you splurge on the whole report, the summary of the RFID portion states:

Libraries that are using RFID automated book check out technology appear to be divided into two camps: those which hesitate in implementing the technology, and those which essentially limit or eliminate non-automated check out, literally compelling patrons to adjust to the new technology. All of those that had taken the latter approach were glad that they had.

No doubt you’ve already heard this via other outlets. The San Francisco city budget committee denied the Public Library’s request for funds to implement RFID. Peter Warfield will be thrilled, I’m sure.

Links:

• San Francisco Bay View, “Budget Committee deletes RFID funding at SF Public Library“
• American Libraries, “No RFID for San Francisco, But Proposed State Ban Softened”

Primary Research Group released a report based on exhaustive interviews with library IT directors from nine major public libraries. Regarding RFID they say,

“Libraries that are using RFID automated book check out technology appear to be divided into two camps: those which hesitate in implementing the technology, and those which essentially limit or eliminate non-automated check out, literally compelling patrons to adjust to the new technology. All of those that had taken the latter approach were glad that they had.”

This is consistent with the experiences of the library IT folk in California that I interviewed when I was investigating RFID for my place of work. Without the option of a staffed circulation desk patrons quickly became accustomed to the RFID self-check. The key for the people I spoke with, however, was placing a dedicated staffer near the machines for the first few weeks to assist patrons during the transition.

The January issue of Computers in Libraries just crossed my desk (I have 10 colleagues ahead of me on the distribution list). It has a swell article by Louise Levy Schaper about how the public library in Fayetteville, Arkansas installed RFID self-check without breaking their budget.

They incorporated self-check into a module of their ILS (GIS Information Systems) to avoid using SIP. By elimininating SIP, they removed a layer of interaction time during check in/out transactions and avoided having to pay the charges that some ILS vendors make for adding SIP to their product.

They also avoided costs and reduced labor-related repetitive strain injuries but using volunteers to do the physical tagging. This practice is not uncommon at public libraries but may be a bit more difficult to pull off in the academic/special library world.

All in all a worthwhile read — highly reccomended.

Library Journal reports that San Francisco Public Library administrators are reevalutating their implementation plans for RFID.

They are postponing implementation at one branch and combining implementation schedules for the main library and 6 other branches. The funding for RFID has still not been finalized but will be discussed at their Board of Supervisors meeting in late spring/early summer.