WHAT IS IT?

RFID = Radio Frequency Identification.
In its simplest form, it is an electronic barcode.

It allows wireless, contact less obtaining and processing of information. At the heart of any RFID system is the smart label which consists of a microchip and an antenna. The microchip contains a database record which in the case of a library would be the bibliographic information. Within the ORFID solution, the smart label is also the security label.

In addition to the smart label, RFID readers and RFID controllers are required to complete an RFID solution.

HOW?

When the smart label passes into the field of an RFID Reader, the Reader interrogates the label, reads the data and passes it to the Controller which in turn passes the information, in the correct format, to a host computer system. In the library environment the information is sent to the library management system for processing.

HISTORY

As a technology, RFID has been around for many years and has lots of everyday usages - road tolls, access control, agriculture (monitoring livestock) and baggage handling etc. The technology hit the library market early in the 21st century and has continued to evolve since then.

WHY?

The main advantage with an RFID system is the ability to process multiple items without having to physically scan a barcode. It shortens queuing times, speeds up processes and is less repetitive for staff.

Faster stock taking and improved book searches are also possible.

Figures show that customer service satisfaction has increased following an ORFID implementation.