UNLV Libraries

1
UNLV Libraries RFID

• October 1998 3M introduces RFID to 3M Library
  Advisory Council
• June 1999 CML begins tagging its collection
• October 1999 Discussions begin on concept of DLA
• July 2000 Work begins on tagging main library
  collection
• January 2001 Lied Library opens

2
Applications Benefits

• Self Service
• Deselection Relocation
• Stacks Maintenance
• Database Maintenance
• Staff Efficiency Ergonomics
• Collection Security

3
Self Service
Library users can more easily check out materials
without staff interaction and usually without
waiting in lines
4
Deselection Relocation
60,000 items have been withdrawn or relocated
to storage utilizing specific criteria on the
DLA. Also, new converters now have the ability to
weed as they tag.
5
Stacks Maintenance

• DLA can collect inventory data in the background
  while performing other tasks such as shelfreading
• Entire collection is now shelfread a minimum of
  twice per yeara difference that translates into
  increased patron satisfaction

6
Database Maintenance
Example of an Excel spreadsheet containing data
on problems found by the DLA during shelf
reading
7
Staff Efficiency Ergonomics

• RFID allows staff to perform tasks such as
  checking items in and outas well as shelfreading
  and inventorymore quickly
• The associated tools (staff workstation and DLA)
  allow staff to perform these tasks more
  comfortably and without physical strain

8
Collection Security

• Combination of RFID/security strip may be the
  best way to go
• One tag option now available for security
• Some vendors offer security gates that can
  capture data on what leaves the library

9
RFID The Future

• Patron use patterns and implications for space
  usage and collection development
• Automated book drop/sorting stations
• NISO group to focus on interoperability of tags
  and hardware across vendors