Example Libraries
Following are two examples of libraries that have recently changed to RFID systems:North Vancouver District Public Library (NVDPL)
The North Vancouver District Public Library is the first library in BC to implement RFID at its Lynn Valley Main Library location. NVDPL will use Tech Logic's RFID-based self-checkout system, security gates, and a five-bin material handling sorting system. The new larger main library has the same amount of staff so it is hoped that RFID will save staff time. North Vancouver District Public Library uses a Sirsi/Dynix automation system and the library has over 300,000 items. NVDPL staff have stated their preference for open standards for their systems as opposed to proprietary ones, available from a single vendor. For a number of years this library has had the highest circulation per capita in Canada for libraries of its size. Anecdotal reports indicate that the collection of the entire NVDPL is being changed to RFID in stages as no items from that system have been encountered with tags in place.The University of East Anglia library
The University of East Anglia in Norfolk, England is an academic library that is currently using an RFID system supplied by the vendor Intellident. The University's system consists of hybrid self checkout stations that allow scanning of RFID tags or bar codes, an RFID-enable sorting machine for checked in material and self-serve check-in stations, including an exterior item drop which the patron must access with their library card in order to return borrowed items. The hybrid checkout would seem to facilitate a gradual adoption of RFID tags in the collection as the NVDPL has elected to do.The push for the change to the library system seems to be a financial one although there is of yet no demonstrable savings. According to the article, the library was motivated to make the change to RFID in order to continue to provide the same level of service to its patrons with the same budget. There is no indication as to how the change to RFID was funded.
Prepared for LIBR 500: : Foundations of Information Technology
November 9, 2007