Library managers are demanding more information about RFID (Radio Frequency ID), so CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals is to present a major one-day conference titled RFID in Libraries at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London on Tuesday 8th November 2005. This follows the sell-out success of its inaugural Wi-Fi in Libraries Conference held in January this year.
RFID technology is rapidly becoming a standard feature of library operations in public and academic libraries. Successful installations have been reported in Norwich, Colchester, the Barbican Library and Middlesex University, among others. A number of high-profile international collections such as the British Library and the Vatican Library are also implementing RFID technology.
Although the basic technology has been around for more than 50 years, only relatively recently has it been widely deployed in the retail sector. In the last few years it has started to make an impact on libraries. An RFID tag is a radio-transmitter with a unique identity code, which can be attached to an object and to track it.
RFID tags can vary in size and smaller ones are suitable for use as security tags in library books, CDs, and children's toys. Scanners are used to detect the RFID tags and when integrated with library management systems provide useful management data. They can be integrated with security systems and self-service terminals to enable borrowers to issue and return their own books. Some libraries have implemented the technology so they can use portable scanners to undertake stock-taking and to check the shelving of books.
CILIP's RFID in Libraries Conference will provide an excellent opportunity for library managers to learn about the potential applications of RFID in libraries for:
- annual stock taking
- rapid checking that books are shelved in the correct area
- searching for specific items using a scanner
- self check-out of items
- self-return of items
- security
- library membership cards
At CILIP's latest conference delegates can review the latest technology and see for themselves the benefits of installing RFID in libraries. They will hear presentations by expert speakers, and discuss with colleagues the best ways of implementing RFID.
The conference will consider technical issues such as interoperability, metadata and standards, as well as looking at management issues such as staffing, procurement, privacy, and tagging existing collections. Leading suppliers will support the conference and provide an insight into their latest offerings.
The current eNewsletter published by CCS: CILIP Consultancy Services features RFID news and sources. To subscribe to this free service, complete the CCS Feedback Form at www.cilip.org.uk/ccs, following the link to 'Contact us' and typing 'subscribe newsletter' in the section for 'Your comments'.
For further details of the RFID in Libraries Conference contact: CILIP Conferences. Call 020 7255 0543/4 or fax 020 7255 0541 or e-mail conferences@cilip.org.uk. Information is also available online at www.cilip.org.uk/rfid.
Contact: John Woolley, Managing Director, CILIP Enterprises.
Tel: 020 7255 0694.
Email: john.woolley@cilip.org.uk
Notes to Editors
CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals is the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers. It forms a community of around 35,000 people engaged in library and information work, of whom around 23,000 are CILIP members and around 12,000 are regular customers of CILIP Enterprises. For further information please go to www.cilip.org.uk.
