RFID @ APL

What is RFID?Radio Frequency Identification

RFID technology is made up of a tag and a reader.

Tags used in libraries are “passive” – they do not contain a battery. The power is supplied by the reader.

When radio waves from the reader are encountered by an RFID tag, the coiled antenna within the tag forms a magnetic field. The tag draws power from it, energizing the circuits in the tag. The tag then sends the information encoded in the tag's memory.

RFID vs. Barcodes Technology  Capability

Barcode RFID Benefit of RFID over Barcode

Line of Sight Required Not Required No need to orient scanned items

# of items that can be scanned

One Multiple Very fast inventory scan

Automation & Accuracy

Manual read errors & prone to mis-scans

Fully automated & highly accurate

Low error inventory count

Security Provides no security Contains a security bit Eliminates secondary security system

What will it do for us? More efficient

• Patron and Staff checkout Fewer repetitive stress injuries Not uncommon to have 80% and higher self-check

• Automated Materials Handling Improved inventory control

• Find items, reactivate security bits Improved security High levels of patron satisfaction

• Fewer problems• Easy to use• Increased privacy

What have we done?Our team: Michael Nitz, Vicki Lenz, Kurt

Riechers, Gerri Moeller and Colleen Rortvedt

Looked at other libraries for best practices Researched current state of technology Visited libraries Collected other RFPs Talked to vendors Created RFP

What’s the plan?2010 1. Select vendor using RFP and interview

process2. Purchase tags, conversion stations3. Hire a part-time RFID volunteer coordinator4. Train staff and volunteers 5. Start tagging (goal: August)

Tag at least half the collection this year and complete tagging next year (420,000 items)

What do we need? Tags

• Book tags and media tags Conversion Stations

• Buy/rent• Make our own

Checkout Stations• For public and staff• Adapt our own

Security Gates Inventory Wand

Tags

Tags should have a life span as long as the item it is affixed to. There are a few styles of tags with most of the variety in media

overlays.

Conversion EquipmentNeed a cart, tag dispenser, RFID pad, computer with conversion software

installed. Portable carts need a power source like a battery or easy access to outlets.

We will tag:in the stacks, in Circulation, in Technical Services

After we tag everything…Going live with RFID

Self Check StationsThe user-friendly process makes patrons like RFID self checkout.

Security GatesFewer false alarms.

If the security bit is not turned off, it sets off an alarm.

Portable/Handheld Reader (Wand)

Improves inventory, reactivates security bits, finds lost items, ensures materials are in general order.

Another Example…

Looking to the future….Automated Materials Handling

Minimum is a 3 bin system

RFP Process List of vendors

• E-mail RFP with option for mailing hard copy Allow for questions and clarification Allow for tours of site Deadline for submissions – May 21st

On site demos June 14-18 Bring recommendation for vendor to

Board in July