RFID

RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is a technology capable of identifying material for check-out purposes without barcodes or contact. It involves two components: a tag containing a computer chip and built-in antenna is attached to an item to be scanned; and a scanner (really a radio transmitter) that can send out a signal to any nearby tags. The tag sends back a response, received and read by the scanner. This technology allows for speedier check-out and check-in of materials because multiple tags may be read at once, and from any orientation. Book-return units equipped with an RFID scanner can automatically check in materials as they are dropped off, self-checkout stations are much more doable, and there's a built-in theft-deterrence system as a result of this technology. With the automation of processes that once took a lot of manual labor, such as circulation, inventory, and re-shelving to some extent, libraries will benefit: either less staff will be required, or the staff will have time to spend with other necessary activities such as assisting patrons, collection development, strategic planning, marketing, fundraising and team-building. The one drawback is the cost of installing such a system, which would need to be weighted against the benefits of efficiency and accuracy RFID can offer. But does the library user benefit much from this new technology? While librarians and other staff members may rejoice about their improved workflow, the library user may wonder what's in it for them. Indeed, there is some controversy surrounding RFID and users' privacy rights: the concern is that the new technology has the capability of tracking the users' interests and habits in the library, or storing their information on the tags. Therefore, this technology would appear to provide the most benefit to libraries, but not the users.