A primer on radio frequency identification for libraries

Abstract

Purpose

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a location determination technology that has been receiving a lot of commercial attention in recent times, especially in the areas of asset tracking and supply chain management. The purpose of this paper is to outline a library prototype that utilises RFID in order to enhance and speed up the current customer book search and identification processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The hardware to be used in the design and implementation of the prototypes include a laptop to host the server, a router to create the wireless network, a PDA to host the applications, RFID tags and an RFID reader to carry out the RFID communication.

Findings

The functionality and benefits offered by the RFID systems match the needs and areas of improvement for libraries. RFID technology can help streamline major library processes such as stocktaking and book searches. Already approximately 8 per cent of libraries worldwide are using RFID, and it will be incorporated into many items libraries purchase in the future. The development and evaluation of the Library Application has demonstrated that RFID can be successfully integrated into library systems.

Practical implications

RFID systems can be integrated into existing library systems to improve the efficiency of the main processes carried out in any library and increase the quality of services provided. The ability of RFID to uniquely identify every item is very suitable for libraries.

Originality/value

Presents an RFID enabled library system to aid in the speed of identifying and finding books for the customer.

Citation

Curran, K. and Porter, M. (2007), "A primer on radio frequency identification for libraries", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 595-611. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830710840536