The Constant Librarian

RFID Puts Librarians Where They're Needed Most

RFID-enabled books are the librarian's perfect assistant. They are always on duty, they handle quotidian tasks efficiently and they do their work silently with 100% accuracy. Texas Instruments' (TI) RFID technology allows self-checkout, monitors potential thefts and helps locate books that are "lost in the stacks."

Once an RFID tag has been placed in a book and a RFID reader is operating, the order and efficiency of a library can change significantly.

• Long queues disappear because readers can check out books themselves
• Theft is diminished if not eliminated because RFID technology can detect books hidden in bags, briefcases and clothing
• More books are available for loan because RFID can help find books that have been miss-shelved, lost or even hidden
• Inventories are completed faster and with greater accuracy
• Readers are happier because they can return books 24-hours a day and don't have to stand in check out or return lines

RFID technology is simple, robust and inexpensive. Each RFID label has a unique identification number and can be programmed with additional information such as type of media and storage location.

The tag is "re-writeable" so libraries don't have to replace a book’s digital identification tag when updating a book's status or flagging a book for reservation. In addition, libraries are finding new ways to take advantage of tagged items, such as gathering statistics on what items are most often used.

Document Tracking

Libraries require a range of capabilities from RFID technology but most basic features such as locating and identifying objects are all some critical applications require.

Legal, medical and government documents are often required by law to be created and maintained on paper. The volume of documents can quickly overwhelm attorneys, executive assistants and document librarians. Vital documents can easily be misplaced, lost or miss-filed. With RFID, missing documents become a thing of the past.