How do you know if RFID is for your library?

As we discuss RFID technology in libraries it's important to consider whether this is good decision or not for your system. According to an article published on publiclibariesonline.org below are a few things to consider when considering implementing RFID in your library system:


1. Anti-Theft - With radio tags on every piece of material RFID is an effective way to catch item that innocently or not so innocently try to leave your building.


2. Inventory Abilities - The radio tags make it easy to know where an item is whether or not it's in the correct place in the library.

http://www.rfidarena.com/2012/11/8/can-rfid-save-libraries.aspx

3. Labor Intensive - The initial outlay of staff costs in having to affix an RFID tag to every item in the library.

4. Materials and Equipment Costs - It's not cheap to convert your library to RFID.

5. Staff Buy-In - If you can convince some staff that an investment in time and labor now will have big returns later.

6. Tech Knowledge - Will you have someone in your building that is tech savvy and can manage the RFID installation?

These things will help you make a decision about RFID. There is also literature about whether this move can actually save libraries. To read more about this you can click the link http://www.rfidarena.com/2012/11/8/can-rfid-save-libraries.aspx .

Citation:

Lyttle, Melanie, Walsh, Shawn. (2013). Does RFID make sense for your library? Public Libraries Online. Retrieved from: http://www.rfidarena.com/2012/11/8/can-rfid-save-libraries.aspx