RFID has many advantages and one of the main ones being that it reduces the amount of time required to perform circulation operations. This allows for easier and faster check out time for patrons and staff. According to an article published by the University of Maryland some of the advantages are as follows:
"- Reduction of staff duties
- Reduction of staff injuries
- Reliablity
- Tag life and appearance"
RFID systems frees up staff to work on other duties because patrons are put in a position that they are able to check out their own materials using a self-check out system similar to what is found in grocery stories. It also reduces that amount of staff injuries in that it prevents that number of stress injuries from happening. Stress injuries results from having to flip materials over or hold them at a certain angle so that they barcode can be scanned. Tag life is long than previous systems. it is estimated that the tag life will last for about 10 years.
The disadvantages of the system according to the article are as follows:
"- Reduction of staff duties
- Cost
- Susceptibility of tags
- Big brother and invasion of patron privacy"
Reduction of staff duties fall into both categories because in some instances with the implementation of automation in libraries it may require a reduction in staff in library in some areas which is not always good. Another huge disadvantage is the one of privacy. Privacy invasion has been a popular topic of discussion in libraries. As librarians we are to protect the privacy of the patrons that we serve and with implementation of automation the question of whether patrons privacy still private has become a question. As this technology improves I'm sure that the issue of privacy will continue to be an issue until something is done to confirm the protection of patrons' private information.
For more information see: http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~segloff/RFIDTest3/AdvantagesandDisadvantages.html
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