RFID:Where we are.

Where we’re going?

Mick FortuneLibrary RFID Ltd.

Overview

• 2010 – a watershed moment• A (very) quick review of the technology• Main library uses• RFID ≠ Self-service• Removing barriers to progress

2010 – a watershed moment

• New standards being created/published• Greater consensus among stakeholders• A new spirit of co-operation

A (very) quick review of the technology

RFID - the basics

• A technology, not an application• A chip attached to an aerial activated by a

scanner.– Data on the chip can be stored, edited and

over-written• Contactless – uses radio• Operates at different frequencies/ranges

Typical UK library implementation

• Tags – on stock (different types for different media)– Three elements

• Chip – stores the data• Aerial – allows transmission• Form factor – usually a sticky label

• Antenna/Reader

• Application– Provides local functionality (screen displays etc.)– Handles messaging between it (usually via SIP) and the Library

Management System – which executes rules.

Main Library Uses*• Self-service %

– Issue and Return 100– Automated returns sorting 25– Renewals 76– Borrower account review 39.3– Fees and fines payment 21.4

• Stock Management– Tracing operations (missing, lost, reserved) 35.7– Inventory 39.3– “Smart” shelving 3.6

• Borrower Administration– Smart cards 10.7

* Survey carried out among subscribers to LIB-RFID February 2009Results available from www.libraryrfid.co.uk.

RFID ≠ Self-Service

• Self Service:– Main reason given for implementation (84%)– Issue and return automated by 100% of RFID

users.• But– It’s not just a barcode replacement– It changes the way your stock “works”– It can be (and is) used to store dynamic data -

and that may be problematic…

Problematic?Because• Each RFID supplier stores data differently• Each library may be storing different elements (although they

may unaware that they are!)• LMS providers may enhance functionality by using tags in

proprietary solutions• Some RFID suppliers may encrypt data.

So,• If you buy RFID hardware from another supplier it may not

work with your tags.• If you change your LMS or RFID supplier things may stop

working.

Removing barriers to progress

Standards can help

• But there are so many to choose from…• Communications– ISO 18000-3– ISO 15693

• Frequencies– UHF– HF (13.56Mhz)

• Data

Data Standards

• ISO 28560– 28560-2, the common data model for the UK– To be published Q4 2009– Defines 25 data elements for use in the library

supply chain as a whole• UK National Profile– Defines subset to be used for library operations– Voluntary agreement

UK National Profile• Mandatory elements:

– Primary item identifier (normally an existing barcode number.)– Content parameter

in effect a list of data elements present on the tag.– Owner library (ISIL)

• Conditional:– Set information (multiple items)

• Optional:

– Type of usage – Shelf location – ONIX media format – Supplier identifier

– ILL borrowing institution (ISIL)

– Local data A

– Local data B

– Local data C

– Title

– Supply chain stage

– Alternative item identifier

– Subsidiary of an owner library

Deployment

• New users should be encouraged to specify ISO 28560-2 and the UK National Profile

• Existing users will have to determine,– Whether they have a migration path– If they want to take it

• Do the research – don’t buy Betamax!

Beyond SIP

• SIP no longer adequate• Series of workshops proposed by BIC will,– Examine existing tag data usage in RFID

installations– Identify requirements to incorporate these

within a standards-based framework– Review alternatives to SIP (and NCIP) for

LMS/RFID communications

New services - new technologies?

• Better offline circulation• Interactive shelving/displays• Talking books• Improvements in security• …and who knows what else?

Thank You!

Mick FortuneLibrary RFID Ltd.

mick@libraryrfid.co.uk+44 (0)1865 727411

www.libraryrfid.co.uk