More libraries using RFID, says expert: http://www...

By Teresa Hartman(Teresa Hartman)
Looking at the NXP Semiconductors website, I found these articles on the same subject: no date - Complete inventory management for libraries

Complete inventory management for libraries

In today's fast moving world, existing systems for checking items in and out of libraries increasingly seem slow, labour intensive, inflexible and prone to inaccuracy. In contrast, RFID based systems improve convenience and flexibility for both the users and the library. Quicker and easier to operate, these systems enable improved inventory control; minimize losses via internal misplacement and theft; reduce manual work for library staff; and deliver better read rates and accuracy than traditional manual handling.

Offering a simple upgrade path for existing set-ups, I·CODE-based library schemes provide secure systems, allowing full traceability and an effective means of gathering data for total information management. They can also be easily installed and offer a wider range of functions. The inherent flexibility of I·CODE technology also allows several participating libraries to connect to a single external host system, enabling more sophisticated return and allocation schemes. At the same time, traditional readers' cards with magnetic stripe or bar-code can be replaced by I·CODE cards enabling fast and convenient identification of people borrowing books.

These systems work by fitting a smart label containing an I·CODE chip, each with its own unique serial number, to every item which can be borrowed or rented from the library. This can be a book, videotape, CD-ROM or DVD. Thus each item can be individually identified, while also storing basic data about the item such as the title, author and code.
Automated check in/out

Entry/exit gates installed with I·CODE readers can identify multiple books carried through the gate by a customer, thanks to I·CODE's anticollision feature. And for fully automated check in, users can simply return rented items to the system by dropping goods into a box, past a flap with a reader device. This automatically registers returned items and also updates the library's inventory status, providing fully automated inventory control. Borrowing books can also be automated in the same way, with registered users choosing items at an interactive screen at the checkout, which are then automatically delivered.
Fast item location

Another function made possible with RFID systems is fast and easy location of books. This can be achieved either by placing antennas on shelves to define their contents, or with a handheld proximity reader, and enables quick inventorying and the location of misplaced items - which can be a serious problem with an average of 200-300 thousand books per library.
Flexible return options

RFID systems allow 'mailboxes' to be located at convenient public places. These have access to a library's database so can register returned items automatically, update the library inventory and log the customer account. If several libraries are connected to the same system, this enables sophisticated inter-library item allocation schemes to be implemented.

All in all, I·CODE RFID systems enable major improvements across all library processes, increasing overall efficiency, raising customer convenience, comfort and flexibility, improving inventorying accuracy and reducing losses, as well as reducing mishandling by library personnel and providing better theft protection.