Kingston Frontenac Public Library in Ontario, Canada, has recently completed the installation of RFID technology throughout its 17 branches, with all materials throughout the system being tagged, and Express Checkout Terminals being installed in 4 of the city libraries.

     The implementation of RFID at Kingston followed a thorough analysis of multiple vendors. At the end of the evaluation process, the Library chose Libramation for the modern ''look and feel'' of the RFID units and the system''s highly intuitive staff interface. 116.30.192.184 This article is copyright 2008 UsingRFID.com.

Benefits reported
     The RFID project has already yielded numerous benefits with Library users checking out their own materials at a rate of nearly 60%. At the Turner Branch, the Library installed a sorting system that automatically places returns in their appropriate bin and prepares the items for transportation to their destinations. As a result, the Library has been able to free up resources, create better work conditions and improve the services it offers to the community at large.

     "The rationale for RFID was two-fold: the enhancement of services to our users alongside the improvement of the work environment for our staff," said Lester Webb, Manager, Systems and Technical Services at Kingston Frontenac Public Library. "As users are now able to check-out their own materials, circulation staff has more time to provide users with personalised service. This means helping users select books for example or assisting them with finding information on the Internet. RFID also goes a long way in addressing patron privacy concerns; with self check-out, users feel comfortable borrowing books on any topic."

Community outreach
     Another important benefit of RFID has also been the increased outreach we have been able to do. With more staff time freed-up, we are able to reach out to more groups, such as seniors, teens and local businesses, and organise more events to promote our services."

     "Besides the service and outreach aspects, RFID has also helped improve the ''physical'' work environment for staff," explained Lester. "As our workforce ages, we found that ailments related to the physical part of the job increased. RFID is helping us to reduce strains and even decrease the amount of keyboard typing."

Project goals
      Reduced strain and greater efficiencies in the Library''s administrative workflow is a central component of the RFID implementation. The system operates by communicating an item''s ID to Vubis Smart, the Library''s Integrated Library System (ILS), telling the ILS to check-in, check-out or renew an item. The ILS then communicates the new status of the item back to the RFID software. Once an item is checked-out, the security bit in the RFID tag is deactivated.

     "We had to ensure therefore that the Libramation RFID system and the Vubis Smart ILS would properly interface with one another. This was easily accomplished by Infor''s Professional Services team, which extended the SIP2 protocol to work with Libramation. Looking back on this implementation, it is clear that RFID, together with Vubis Smart, has significantly strengthened our technological foundation and will position us to expand our services in the years ahead."

 

 

                                                                                                                Extract From Using RFID