RFID implementation in a multi-branch system

1
RFID implementation in a multi-branch system

• Susanna Aakko, Helsinki
• Ewa Helgesson, Göteborg
• Public Libraries

2
RFID for beginners

• HelMet RFID report 2006
• Compiling information
• Meeting Finnish vendors
• Library visist (Nacka, Silkeborg and Kgs. Lyngby)
• Contents of the report
• What is RFID?
• RFID in libraries
• RFID in HelMet Libraries How could we use RFID?
  Should we use RFID?
• Decided to wait
• Would be a big project
• Selfcheck devices already in use
• Estimate costs and possible time scale 2009

3
RFID is an option

• Radio Frequency Identification
• Identify objects by using barcode or by using
  RFID (circulation, inventory etc.)
• Detect thefts by using electro-magnetic stripes
  or by using RFID
• You can also use RFID in library cards
• Hardware standards, standards for data, tag
  quality
• RFID is more complicated technology

4
Products

• RFID tag chip antenna
• read/write or read only, passive or active
• Conversion station
• RFID reader (antenna),13.56 MHz
• self-check devices
• staff workstations
• portable readers for inventory etc.
• security gates
• Integration with library system
• Item status API (sensitization status)

5
Investing in RFID (by 3M)

• Why to invest in RFID?
• Customer satisfaction, faster and more accurate
  service
• Staff procuctivity and satisfaction,
  opportunities for enhanced services
• Staff health, reduced handling of items
• Financial responsibility
• Whyt to wait?
• Privacy concerns limits of technology
• Expense waiting for price drops vs. immediate
  cost savings
• Disruption conversion can be painless

6
RFID in HelMet Libraries?

• Whats the goal?
• check-out, check-in and hold pickup at any branch
• gt 60 branches
• gt 200 selfcheck devices
• gt 3 800 000 items
• What do we need?
• Estimation of costs and realistic time scale
• Very good project plan
• Learning from other libraries, RFIDLab Finland
  and RFID vendors

7
RFID Live Experiences

• RFID implementation in Göteborg public library
  Ewa Helgesson
• RFID implementation in Chalmers University of
  Technology Library Kerstin Brütte