Making the Most of RFID in Libraries.

Making the Most of RFID in Libraries. Making the Most of RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) A data collection technology that uses electronic tags for storing data. The tag, also known as an "electronic label," "transponder" or "code plate," is made up of an RFID chip attached to an antenna. in Libraries BY MARTIN PALMER London: Facet Publishing, 2009. 160 pp. 44.95 [pounds sterling]hard cover ISBN ISBNabbr.International Standard Book NumberISBNInternational Standard Book NumberISBNn abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m9781856046343 RFID has been around for more than a decade, but it is only inrecent years that libraries have begun to take it up wholesale. Thefalling costs of tags and equipment balanced against the security andworkflow benefits that they bring, are making RFID an ever moreattractive option for library stock control and management. However, it is still not a cheap option, even if it is cheaper thanbefore. So how do you decide whether it is the best option for yourlibrary? And if you implement RFID, how do you ensure you are gettingthe most out of it? Palmer aims to answer these questions in thispractical, easy-to-read guide. It begins with an overview of RFID, the development of thetechnology and how it works, how it is used elsewhere in the world and asummary of how RFID is being used in libraries. It then goes into a bitmore detail on RFID and libraries--how it was used initially, how itworks now and problem areas such as audiovisual material and multi-partitems. Palmer then explores the relationship between the librarymanagement system and RFID. He explains why both are needed, whatcommunication protocol should be used, RFID and various libraryprocesses--both staff and public. The following chapters go into a bit more detail on standards andinteroperability The capability of two or more hardware devices or two or more software routines to work harmoniously together. For example, in an Ethernet network, display adapters, hubs, switches and routers from different vendors must conform to the Ethernet standard and interoperate with each other. , privacy, health and safety, library design and theimpact on RFID on each. He then outlines how to build a business casefor RFID and how to write an RFP (Request For Proposal) A document that invites a vendor to submit a bid for hardware, software and/or services. It may provide a general or very detailed specification of the system. 1. (business) RFP - Request for Proposal.2. . He investigates how RFID affectsstaffing and the options that open as a result, looks at how to evaluatethe options for RFID and how to project manage the installation. He finishes with a case study on how to best use RFID in a librarysetting and looks at how RFID could be used in future libraries in newways. The content is supplemented with links to further information,including websites, blogs, fora, RFID suppliers and comprehensivereferences. Although it is relatively short at 154 pages, this book coversconsiderable ground in a very short space. Although clearly notcomprehensive, it gives enough content in the important areas and someuseful real-life examples to help give the reader a good grounding inRFID in libraries. It is very helpful also in giving direction on how toapproach an RFID project. I highly recommend it to those who areconsidering or have recently implemented RFID in their libraries. Michelle McLean Michelle McLean was crowned Miss Universe in 1992. She represented Namibia, and became the first contestant from Namibia to win the crown.Before she became Miss Universe, McLean competed in Miss World 1991, where she finished in the top 5. Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation