• Home
• Introduction
• History
• How RFID works
• Library Applications
• Advantages
• Potential Problems
• Example Libraries
• Conclusion
• Bibliography
• Photo Credits
• Notes

Advantages

• Improved user self-checkin and checkout. Unlike barcode readers, RFID readers do not require a line-of-sight and they can read multiple items simultaneously. Reading multiple items at the same time means faster checking and improved customer satisfaction.
• Automated checkin. Patrons can get a receipt indicating items returned.RFID return bins can be configured to work with automated sorting bins to do rough sorting for library staff.
• Faster, more accurate reshelving. Automated sorters can work with RFID to reduce the time and labor involved in rough-sorting returns.
• Fine-sorting can be improved with inventory wands, which may be able to indicate books twhen they are out of order. The wand may be configured to show the proper place within four or five books.
  Many libraries employing RFID indicate they expect to provide more public service. Staff who would be at the circulation desk can be reassigned to support patrons in other activities. 
• Inventory management is improved with RFID and can be done more frequently. Some users report being able to shelf read 5000 books per hour. Improved inventory management can also benefit collection development. Currently in-house usage might be measured with ad hoc procedures like marking ticks in the cover of an item when it's reshelved. With RFID, in-house usage is more easily tracked with wands, and usage data is available for report generation. 
• Staff safety. The new check-in and check-out stations can eliminate possible injury by eliminating risky moves that staff make manipulating books and other items.

An RFID self-checkout station