What is RFID Technology?

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How do we keep up with what's being checked out? Can someone actually get out of the library with an item that they haven't checked out and not get caught? These are questions that might come to mind when discussing or thinking about securing library items. So what do you do to keep this from happening? Is there anything that can be put into place to lessen the chances of it happening as often? Yes! There is something called RFID technology that libraries are beginning to look into to help with keeping track of their items.

So what exactly does RFID stand for? RFID means Radio Frequency IDentification and is a technology used in libraries that assist in theft detection. It is a combination of radio frequency- based technology and microchip technology. Below is a 4 minute YouTube video that shows how RFID works:

https://youtu.be/gEQJxNDSKAE

As you can see from the video this technology has many functions in other areas besides libraries. 

According to a segment on the American Library Association's website called "Tech Notes" it give the following advantages to having this technology:

1. Rapid charging/discharging
2. Simplified patron self - charging/discharging
3. High Reliability
4. High Speed inventorying
5. Automated materials handling
6. Long tag life

The disadvantages given are as follows:

1. High Cost
2. Vulnerability to compromise
3. Removal of exposed tags
4. Exit sensor problems
5. Perceived Invasion of patron privacy

In the posts to follow we will explore more about this technology from the cost to it's importance in libraries. Stay tuned to learn more...

Boss, Richard W. (2004, May 14). RFID Technology for Libraries. http://www.ala.org/PrinterTemplate.cfm?Section=technotes&Template=/ContentManagement/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=68138