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Revolutionizing Libraries: The Impact of RFID Technology at Edmonton Public Library

This presentation by Adrienne Brown Canty discusses the implementation of RFID technology at the Edmonton Public Library (EPL). It covers the benefits of RFID including improved efficiency, automation of check-in/check-out processes, enhanced customer independence, and increased library circulation. The presentation highlights the technical components of RFID systems, real-world applications, notable successes, challenges faced, and ongoing progress since tagging began. Attendees will gain insights into why EPL adopted RFID, its impact on service delivery, and future directions for library services.

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Revolutionizing Libraries: The Impact of RFID Technology at Edmonton Public Library

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  1. “A barcode on steroids”:RFID and the EPL experience (so far) Adrienne Brown CantyEdmonton Public Library Netspeed 2006 ~ October 19, 2006

  2. RF? • NOT: • Really Frightful! • Relatively Freaky! • Remarkably Fearsome!

  3. The Alfie slide(what’s it all about?) • Information storage/retrieval • Microchip and antenna • Data: identifier, security • Read by passing through RF field • Wireless • Contact-free • Orientation-independent

  4. Origins • Surprisingly early • Warehouses • Harsh environments • Retail – EPC/UPC

  5. Basic RFID components • Label • Microchip • Antenna • Transponder

  6. Perspective • Tag: a barcode equivalent • Transponder: just another input device

  7. How it works • Chip data • 13.56 MHz • ISO 15693, 18000 • Passive • Proximity

  8. Everyday RFID • Pet microchips • Gas station “speed passes” • Building entry systems • Automobile entry/ignition • Toll roads/bridges • Mass sports events • Public transit

  9. Chip data (libraries) • Unique identifier • Security bit • Space for rent?

  10. Security • Off at checkout, on at checkin • Goodbye, deer in the headlights? • Goodbye, false alarms? • Goodbye, locking cases?

  11. Known issues • Metal content • Data content

  12. Controversy • Eavesdropping • Identifying information • Personal documents • Viruses/malware • “Spychips”

  13. Why RFID at EPL? • Growth • Increased city population • Increased library visits • Increased library circulation • Public demand for value-added services • Work smarter • Increase staff visibility • Automate what can be automated

  14. Components selected • Tags • Transponders • Security gates • Handheld units • Self-check stations • Automated check-in • Automated sorting

  15. Project goals •  self-service options •  customer independence •  customer privacy •  F2F time with customers •  value-added services •  speed to locate items (inventory) • Immediate check-in

  16. Project goals, cont’d. •  check-in errors •  lineups & time spent in them •  staff-handled transactions •  time per transaction •  invisible staff, invisible tasks •  physical handling of items •  staff soft-tissue injuries

  17. Ground rules • No “unstaffed circulation desk” • No pink slips • Jobs may change

  18. EPL process • Organizational support • Investigation team • Funding • Business case • RFP • Vendor selection • Implementation

  19. Business case • Background • Project Description • Strategic alignment • Environment analysis • Alternatives • Business & operational impacts • Project risk assessment • Cost/benefit analysis • Conclusions & recommendations • Implementation strategy • Review & approval process

  20. Request for Proposal • General description of project • Background information • Mandatory 2-day site visit • Evaluation criteria • Specifications

  21. General Server and hardware Security gates Staff PC workstations Conversion stations (tagging) Self-check stations Self check-in stations with sorter Handheld unit RFID tags Errors QA & system acceptance Training Support & documentation Warranty Upgrades / expansion / development Equipment/supplies Timelines Other Specification categories

  22. Weighted evaluation criteria

  23. Proof-of-concept testing • Software for components • 20 book tags • 20 CD/DVD tags • 10 videocassette tags • 20 tag boosters (if required) • 1 conversion station • 1 transponder for staff workstation • 1 set of two security gates • 1 inventory wand

  24. Implementation • “Rolling stages” • Branch-by-branch • Tags • Security gates • Admin stations • Self-check stations • Automated return/sorting

  25. Managing the project • Project Sponsor • Representative Project Owner • IT Project Coordinator • Rotating team membership • Tagging Supervisor

  26. So far… • Tagging began September 25 at STR • 53,000+ items completed in 14 working days • Holds, returns from other service points • Tagging currently underway at LON

  27. “Unexpected hedges” • Dust jackets • Videocassettes • Multi-disc sets • Metallic covers • Metallic hub tags

  28. Getting the word out • Mascot: the Macintosh model • Staff meeting visits • RFID in Libraries DVD (2004) • Regular newsletter column • “Nobody knows you’re a dog” • Reports to Technology Council • E-mail updates

  29. The shoulders of giants • Radio Frequency Identification and the San Francisco Public Libraryhttp://www.sfpl.org/librarylocations/libtechcomm/RFID-and-SFPL-summary-report-oct2005.pdf • Ontario IPC: Guidelines for using RFID tags in Ontario Public Librarieshttp://www.ipc.on.ca/docs/rfid-lib.pdf • ALA • Tech Note on RFID (updated 02/2006)http://www.ala.org/ala/pla/plapubs/technotes/RFIDtechnoteupdate.doc • “RFID Technology for Libraries.” Library Technology Reports, v.39, n.6 (Nov/Dec 2003). • RFID in Libraries DVD – Library Video Network (2004)http://www.lvn.org/p-71-rfid-in-libraries.aspx

  30. Staying up to speed • RFID Journal • c|Net automatic news search • Google Alert • RFID for Libraries listserv (RFID_LIB)

  31. Cue the patriotic music…

  32. Questions?

  33. Adrienne Brown Canty Manager, Strathcona Branch Library 8331 – 104 Street NW Edmonton, AB T6E 4E9 Voice: (780) 496-3953 Fax: (780) 496-1451 acanty@epl.ca

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