RFID: Radio Frequency Identification

(It’s not just a security system)

By Carmin LangfordLIS 515

What is RIFD?

• Radio Frequency Identification is the latest method of automation and security to be used by various entities who wish to maintain more efficient control of their product.

Because this isn’t very efficient….

How does it work?

In the library, information about a book is loaded onto an RIFD “tag.” The tag is then placed in the book, and can be “read” by a strategically placed electronic reader.

What are the benefits?

• RFID provides numerous benefits to not only the library, but the library patron as well. RFID even reduces wear and tear on materials.

RFID and materials

• Because RFID tags can be read without having to be in the “line of sight” of the reader, by placing an RFID tag on a book, the book can be checked in and out, reshelved, and inventoried with very little handling.

RFID and the patron• RFID tags are read quickly by the “reader,” and

because numerous tags can be read at once, the time spent at the circulation desk is drastically reduced.

RFID and the library

• One obvious benefit of RFID to the library is the security it provides against the loss of materials.

And you don’t have to feed it….

RFID and the library

• However, its automation capabilities make locating lost items, shelving, weeding, and inventory a breeze.

Concerns about RFID• The number one concern about RFID in the

library is cost.

• According to 3M (a major RFID manufacturer), an RFID system will pay for itself in approximately 2-3 years by reducing the amount of materials lost.

Concerns about RFID

• Another concern of libraries is the interruption in services due to a massive “conversion” to RFID.

• According to 3M, “Conversion Carts” can be rented that process up to 500 items an hour. Items can be taken off of the shelf, scanned, tagged, and immediately replaced for circulation.

Concerns about RFID• The only significant concern about RFID from the aspect of

the patron is privacy.• Patrons have expressed concern over whether their private

information can be “read” without their knowing by entities other than the library.

• Libraries typically use “high Frequency” tags which can not be read beyond a distance of 36 inches. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that any information can be “hijacked” by outside sources.

What steps to take….• Commitment: make sure to select a vendor

who is likely to be in business for the life of the system.

• Choose a system that compliments the design of the library.

• Select a system that incorporates the “mobile conversion station.”

• You are ready to go!!

Resources• Molnar, David and David Wagner. “Privacy and Security in Library RIFD Issues, Practices, and

Architectures.” CCS ’04, October 25-29, Washington, DC, 2004.

• http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/library/home/resources/case_studies/

• http://www.textually.org/picturephoning/archives/images/set3/rfid-tag.jpg (RFID 1)

• http://www.rfid-library.com/images/rfid_e01.jpg (RFID 2)

• http://lonewolflibrarian.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/rfid.jpg (RFID 3)

• http://www.explainthatstuff.com/rfid.jpg (RFID 4)

• http://sarahandthegoonsquad.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/library_security.jpg (library_security 1)

• http://www.ntcoman.com.om/PICs/3m.jpg (libsec 2)

• http://s3.amazonaws.com/capture_indy/upload/124310979666/full.jpg (libsec 3)

• http://media.oregonlive.com/portland_impact/photo/library2jpg-6a727fdff740aff5_medium.jpg (libsec4)

• http://thecomputerwhiz.com/images/bart.gif (libsec5)

• http://www.smmof.org/images/eh_libraryshelf_3.gif (libsec6)

• http://media.oregonlive.com/portland_impact/photo/library1jpg-93830e8ed21cfd67.jpg (RIFD 5)