RFID standards and applications are evolving for libraries. New standards like ISO 28560-4 for UHF RFID will improve interoperability. In the UK, the Library Communication Framework standardizes data exchange between library systems and RFID technologies. Applications are expanding from circulation to stock management and consortia services. However, privacy and security concerns remain as NFC capabilities in smartphones can now interact with library RFID tags. Libraries must complete privacy impact assessments in 2014 as required by the EU. Adopting new standards like ISO 28560-2 is recommended to ensure future interoperability.

1. RFID Update
Changes ahead for libraries?
Mick Fortune
LibraryRFID

2. Today I shall be mostly talking
about..
• The evolving RFID landscape
– New standards
– New applications
– New concerns – privacy, vulnerabilities
(and legislation?)
LibraryRFID

3. But first…
How do we think of RFID?
LibraryRFID

4. All of the above?
Labels?
Cards?
Asset tracking?
Self Service?
Security?
Access
control?
System building block?

5. The story so far…
• Typical uses are:
– Access control
– Membership smartcards
– Substitute for barcodes and tattle tape
and…
not much else.
(Which is a bit like buying a smartphone and using it to
make calls)
LibraryRFID

6. Factors that have inhibited
development
• Driven by suppliers, not librarians
• Little engagement from LMS suppliers
• Dependence on LMS has slowed
development
• No agreed standards for data or
frequencies has fragmented development
LibraryRFID

7. LibraryRFID
13%
27%
7%
1%3%1%1%0%
47%
Data Standards in Use - Global
Danish Data Model
ISO 28560-2
ISO 28560-3
ISO 28560 (unspecified)
3M
Bibliotheca
AS/NZS1428.2
ISO 15693
DNA/Don't know

8. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Australia Canada Germany Others UK US
Data Models in Use - Global
DNA/Don't know
Bibliotheca
3M
Australian (Nat or Reg)
British
Danish
NISO (USA)
LibraryRFID

9. Growth of new Applications
• New applications being developed by
LMS/RFID suppliers
– UK – offline circulation, stock management
– Australia - supply chain monitoring, consortia
working
– US – ILL routing
• Mobile apps interacting with stock, not
catalogue
• Consortia/co-operative working encouraging
adoption of common standards
LibraryRFID

10. A UK Initiative!
The Library Communication Framework (LCF)
• Standardises data exchange between LMS and
RFID (and other 3rd party apps)
• Version 1 published at the end of September
• New collection management app (based on LCF)
already in development
• Supported by LMS supplier members of BIC
For more information on LCF visit
http://www.bic.org.uk/e4libraries/16/INTEROPERABILITY-
STANDARDS/
LibraryRFID

11. Other New Standards
• ISO 28560-4 – new data standard for
libraries using UHF
• NISO - SIP and NCIP
• EU Mandate M436
LibraryRFID

12. New Concerns - Privacy
• RFID privacy has been a recurring concern
since the technology first appeared
• In 2008 the EU published M436 to consider
– Signage
– Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA)
• Libraries will be required to complete PIAs
during 2014
• BIC working group details at:
http://www.bic.org.uk/105/Volunteers-Needed-%28BIC-Members-
Only%29/
LibraryRFID

13. New Concerns - Vulnerability
• Near Field Communication (NFC) is
another form of RFID operating at
13.56MHz – the same as library tags
• NFC is now appearing in many
smartphones and tablets
• It is possible to use a smartphone to
interrogate/alter library tags
• The industry is monitoring the problem
• We’ll keep you posted!
LibraryRFID

14. Checklist for 2014
• On data standards
– All the major UK suppliers endorse and
support ISO 28560-2. Consider migration.
• On interoperability
– Support the LCF for the best guarantee of
future interoperability.
• On privacy
– Watch for news about M436 and NFC.
LibraryRFID

15. Thank you!
e: mick@libraryrfid.co.uk
w: http://www.libraryrfid.co.uk
t: +44 7786 625544
: @libraryrfid
LibraryRFID