To start things out, I’d like to say that RFID systems have been a terrific benefit for libraries. When they work well, they can increase the productivity of librarians and let them focus on the value-added tasks they were trained to do. These systems can also increase customer service and satisfaction. And they can help libraries control their costs. However, RFID systems don’t always work well. While it may be noticed by some, it is something that hasn’t been discussed as much as it should be. The discussion has been limited because the problem wasn’t evident at first…and then wasn’t easy to diagnose…and some of the customers were reluctant to draw attention to problems in a technology that many of them had strongly recommended.The problem was that some tags began to degrade. The read ranges shortened…and then shortened again…and then the tag failed. And when the tag fails, the system fails.Libraries were understandably surprised. They had bought tags from a reputable supplier…someone with years of RFID experience…and the tags were compliant with the requirements established by the International Standards Organization, or ISO. What they came to understand is that all tags are not the same. All ISO-compliant tags are not the same. They are based on different designs…they use different materials…they are fabricated using different methods…and consequently some last longer and perform better than others. Over the next 10 minutes, I’d like to explain some of the differences among tags, how those differences can affect your system and what you should look for when you’re considering a tag purchase.

posted by on Next generation libraries built around you: RFID education series of whitepapers [slide 1] (2 months ago, 0 since then)

RFID tags are used in many applications, including library materials, ticketing for amusement parks and ski resorts, ensuring security, tracking and validating casino chips, validating money, and tracking products through the supply chain. These applications have different requirements for how long the RFID tag needs to function. Some need to last no more than a few days. One of the most demanding applications is in a library, where the tags should last from 3 to 15 years or more. More durable tags—not surprisingly—are somewhat more costly to make. On a per-tag basis the cost is negligible, but if you are purchasing millions to be sewn into the seams of jackets and sweaters for a major clothing manufacturer, that negligible increment adds up.Unfortunately for some library systems, some tag suppliers do not recognize or acknowledge the greater demands placed on tags used in library items. The suppliers have recommended less expensive, less durable tags—and libraries have accepted these recommendations because the tags were usually less expensive. The issue was further confused because some of these tags were marketed as being compliant with ISO standards for the library market. This ISO standard is important—it defines the way the tag communicates with the library reader—but it does not imply or specify any type of quality or reliability.

posted by on Next generation libraries built around you: RFID education series of whitepapers [slide 3] (2 months ago, 0 since then)

Tag performance is a critical part of your overall system performance. Tags can also be a significant investment.To make sure that your tags are going to meet your requirements for long-term reliability—and to ensure that your investment is a good one—don’t hesitate to ask your tag supplier the following questions: Have you tested your tags for long-term reliability?What test methods do you use?Is the test longer than a week?Can I see the data?I want to close by stressing one point that I hope hasn’t been lost in all this: RFID is a very reliable and durable technology. At 3M, we produce RFID tags that are designed to work in some of the most hostile environments imaginable, including aircraft engines and the cathodes used in copper mining. Tags for library RFID systems don’t need to be quite that durable, but they do need to be designed and built for the demands of your customers and patrons. We try to do that…and our test data and our experience in the field confirm that we are.

posted by on Next generation libraries built around you: RFID education series of whitepapers [slide 10] (2 months ago, 0 since then)

Cambusbarron – single staffed busyRaploch Xpress self serviceHousebound - assist volunteers to process stock more quickly

posted by on RFID in Stirling Libraries [slide 3] (2 months ago, 0 since then)

For its size is probably the busiest of our libraries it terms of issue figures it does at least double the figures of our other single staff branches 1696 in Aug for CAM, 545 COW,666 KIL, 718 FAL, 325 PLE Busiest library in transactions per staff hour.High staff/user interface co-efficientCut down queuing - faster transactions as you can check out or return multiple items at the same timevalue added activity– e.g.Reader Development, promotion of online resources, stock management – conscious that staff stuck behind counters not getting the time to edit stock etc.Increase profile for both service users and corporately in terms of elected members and corporate management team – position library service as modern, progressive, forward thinking interested in innovation

posted by on RFID in Stirling Libraries [slide 4] (2 months ago, 0 since then)

RFQ value of the project required that we go down this procurement routeReasons for going with DTECH: SIP connector to SirsiDynix Horizon3 councillors director and head of service

posted by on RFID in Stirling Libraries [slide 5] (2 months ago, 0 since then)

No space for security system but also we felt that the expense was not justified given the low levels of loss at CAM

posted by on RFID in Stirling Libraries [slide 6] (2 months ago, 0 since then)

Only material not going through is talking books and DVDSWe started with issue only as we were dipping our toe in the water so to speak but we’re reviewing that now.

posted by on RFID in Stirling Libraries [slide 7] (2 months ago, 0 since then)

No major resistance to using the kit amongst users once it was explained that the aim was to help Rosemary do her jpb more effectively, she could now concentrate on the area which matters most , interacting with the library users, talking to them about their book choices and encouraging them to try out new servicesHelps to have a very enthusiastic and committed member of staff who will sell the idea of using Self IssueThought it would be more popular with the young – Rosemary reports there are users in their 80s happily using it.Measure of success is that Rosemary reports 1hr per day she was previously spending behind the counter she is now spending with library users.Little in terms of support has been required - ???Those that use it are most impressed.They like getting a printout. They like the fact they can renew items from another library all ready on loan to them and still get printout.“I have some ladies in their 80s who are thrilled when they issue their own books.”Some moans about not stamping book, although I tell them that they can write date on label.”“And I still have to show some people every time”Some needed reassured that we weren’t taking away ‘their’ librarian.“Some people just do not want to use it.”Lack of statisticsUnwilling to obey exceptions to rulesPeriodic failure to read cards (barcode)SIP2 connection shared with Web Reporter server; when rebooting the server, IT staff never remember to restart SIP2 processes

posted by on RFID in Stirling Libraries [slide 8] (2 months ago, 0 since then)

For its size is probably the busiest of our libraries it terms of issue figures it does at least double the figures of our other single staff branches 1696 in Aug for CAM, 545 COW,666 KIL, 718 FAL, 325 PLECut down queuing - faster transactions as you can check out or return multiple items at the same timevalue added activity– e.g.Reader Development, promotion of online resources, stock management – conscious that staff stuck behind counters not getting the time to edit stock etc.Increase profile for both service users and corporately in terms of elected members and corporate management team – position library service as modern, progressive, forward thinking interested in innovation

posted by on RFID in Stirling Libraries [slide 10] (2 months ago, 0 since then)