Radio Frequency Identification  RFID technology is made up of a tag and a reader.  Tags used in libraries are “passive” – they do not contain a battery. The power is supplied by the reader.  When radio waves from the reader are encountered by an RFID tag, the coiled antenna within the tag forms a magnetic field. The tag draws power from it, energizing the circuits in the tag. The tag then sends the information encoded in the tag's memory.

Technology Capability BarcodeRFIDBenefit of RFID over Barcode Line of Sight RequiredNot RequiredNo need to orient scanned items # of items that can be scanned OneMultipleVery fast inventory scan Automation & Accuracy Manual read errors & prone to mis-scans Fully automated & highly accurate Low error inventory count Security Provides no securityContains a security bitEliminates secondary security system

 More efficient Patron and Staff checkout  Fewer repetitive stress injuries  Not uncommon to have 80% and higher self-check Automated Materials Handling  Improved inventory control Find items, reactivate security bits  Improved security  High levels of patron satisfaction Fewer problems Easy to use Increased privacy

Our team: Michael Nitz, Vicki Lenz, Kurt Riechers, Gerri Moeller and Colleen Rortvedt  Looked at other libraries for best practices  Researched current state of technology  Visited libraries  Collected other RFPs  Talked to vendors  Created RFP

Select vendor using RFP and interview process 2. Purchase tags, conversion stations 3. Hire a part-time RFID volunteer coordinator 4. Train staff and volunteers 5. Start tagging (goal: August) Tag at least half the collection this year and complete tagging next year (420,000 items)

 Tags Book tags and media tags  Conversion Stations Buy/rent Make our own  Checkout Stations For public and staff Adapt our own  Security Gates  Inventory Wand

Tags should have a life span as long as the item it is affixed to. There are a few styles of tags with most of the variety in media overlays.

Need a cart, tag dispenser, RFID pad, computer with conversion software installed. Portable carts need a power source like a battery or easy access to outlets.

Going live with RFID

The user-friendly process makes patrons like RFID self checkout.

Fewer false alarms. If the security bit is not turned off, it sets off an alarm.

Improves inventory, reactivates security bits, finds lost items, ensures materials are in general order.

Automated Materials Handling

 List of vendors RFP with option for mailing hard copy  Allow for questions and clarification  Allow for tours of site  Deadline for submissions – May 21 st  On site demos June  Bring recommendation for vendor to Board in July