1. RFID for Libraries

2. You now know about Bar Code Technology

3. A re-look on how it works Displays the result Computer looks up the description of the item Sent to a computer Data is read from the Bar Code

4. Enter RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Considered to be: –Better Bar Code –Smart Bar Code

5. What is RFID? RFID is a method of identifying items using radio waves Radio Frequency Identification A reader communicates with a tag Tag holds digital information (e.g., an accession number) in a microchip.

6. A little history… Not a new technique In 1948, Harry Stockman’s paper “Communication by means of reflected power” Research continued During the 1980’s RFID systems matured Logistics and Transportation firms began to use RFID RFID initiatives have got simpler Have found wider applications

7. RFID Applications Automotive Enterprises Food Service Distribution Government Healthcare Hospitality Law Enforcement Libraries Logistics Manufacturing Postal/Parcel Retail Security Transportation Warehousing Wholesale

8. A Typical Library Application

9. A more graphical picture

10. How Does RFID Work? Reader Antenna Reader broadcasts signal through antenna Tag Tag receives signal Computer System Reader sends info/data to computer system for logging and processing Tag is charged with enough energy to send back an identifying response

11. Micro-chip, contains Unique ID Code (UID), memory Antenna, copper or aluminum RFID Tag = Transponder

12. RFID Tag

13. Active TagPassive Tag Source of power Built-in batteryElectromagnetic wave induction

14. Active TagPassive Tag Source of power Built-in batteryElectromagnetic wave induction Reaction distance About 5 – 100 metres Under 3 metres

15. Active TagPassive Tag Source of power Built-in batteryElectromagnetic wave induction Reaction distance About 5 – 100 metres Under 3 metres LifeAbout 2-7 years Up to 10 years

16. Active TagPassive Tag Source of power Built-in batteryElectromagnetic wave induction Reaction distance About 5 – 100 metres Under 3 metres LifeAbout 2-7 years Up to 10 years WeightHeavierLighter

17. Active TagPassive Tag Source of power Built-in batteryElectromagnetic wave induction Reaction distance About 5 – 100 metres Under 3 metres LifeAbout 2-7 years Up to 10 years WeightHeavierLighter SizeLargerSmaller

18. Active TagPassive Tag Source of power Built-in batteryElectromagnetic wave induction Reaction distance About 5 – 100 metres Under 3 metres LifeAbout 2-7 years Up to 10 years WeightHeavierLighter SizeLargerSmaller Technical Maturity LowerHigher

20. How RFID scores over Bar Code? Holds far greater information Line of sight not required High reading rates Real time information Can read and write to tags Tags not subject to wear and tear.

21. Advantages of RFID Self check in and check out Speeds up sorting Staffing efficiency Multiple books can checked out or returned easilyMultiple books can checked out or returned easily Inventory of collections Item security Expanded services and working hours Users borrow more material Alleviating repetitive strain injuries.

22. RFID vs Bar code RFIDBar Code Line of sight not requiredLine of sight required

23. RFID vs Bar code RFIDBar Code Line of sight not requiredLine of sight required DisintermediationMediated

24. RFID vs Bar code RFIDBar Code Line of sight not requiredLine of sight required DisintermediationMediated Wide applicationsLimited applications

25. RFID vs Bar code RFIDBar Code Line of sight not requiredLine of sight required DisintermediationMediated Wide applicationsLimited applications Radio wavesOptical reader

26. RFID vs Bar code RFIDBar Code Line of sight not requiredLine of sight required DisintermediationMediated Wide applicationsLimited applications Radio wavesOptical reader Technology of the FutureTechnology of the Past

27. Going about it Have enough financial resources Enough space Constant circulation of materials Preferably large libraries Checklist Prepare a Request for Proposal Maintain current awareness in the area Address staff concerns through training.

28. System in order of importance Patron self-check-in/check-out Automatic book return Conversion stations Security system Inventory system Sorting stations

29. ROI Modern and state-of-the art library New services Better use of human resources User satisfaction Increased library use.

30. RFID Today - Status More than 500 libraries in the US have adopted the technology Estimated 35 million library items tagged RFID spending totaled $ 504 million in 2005, up 39% from 2004 Estimated 20 to 25 libraries in India have installed or are in the process of installing RFID.

31. Some libraries using RFID in India Pune University Library – reported to be the first library IGCAR (Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research) University of Jammu library IIT, Kharagpur / IIT, Madras PRL, Ahmedabad NASSDOC

32. Firms LibSys LibSuite VTLS

33. Results of a Case Study Conversion time: eight to twelve months Staffing –No change in number of employees –Staff perceives RFID as a threat Usage –10% increase noted since RFID implementation Reports of collision related problems.

34. RFID issues

35. Cost One of the major factors influencing acceptance of RFID (Rs. 10/- to Rs. 50/-) Plus the cost of Reader, peripheral equipment and application software Hard for libraries that hold enormous collection

36. Access rate Metal, mist and distance influence read/write efficiency Too close a distance among tags may produce interference between tags Faulty check-in/check-out

37. Privacy Subject of debate All user activities such as reading, browsing can be detected by readers Operations similar to surveillance Privacy of users

38. Security Wireless signals can be intercepted Information should be encrypted to prevent eavesdropping, modification/replacement and misuse Interference from other wireless equipment, stability, international standards, size of tags etc., present problems.

39. Other issues Less sturdy items Numerous items of insignificant materials Children’s book, thin books Items with odd shapes, metal components CDs and DVDs Tags cannot be read through metal or foils Tags can be removed Health risks Technology at infancy Privacy issues Human factor Long life tags.

40. RFID: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Rare Common Ubiquitous

41. References Shien-Chiang Yu, RFID implementation and benefits in libraries, The Electronic Library, 25 (1) (2007) 54-64. Alan Butters, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): An Introduction to Library Professionals, Sybis, August 2006

42. Library Marketing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06 CjhNkI0ew

43. Thank You