The Development of RFID in Libraries - Term Paper Example

? The Development of RFID in Libraries of April 5, Table of Contents Page Page Table of Contents…………………………….. 2 Introduction…………………………………… 3 What is RFID?.................................................... 3 How RFID Works in the Library System……... 4 RFID and Its Structure………………………... 5 Discussion……………………………………... 7 RFID Library System and the Society………… 7 The Pros of RFID Library System…………….. 7 The Cons or Negative Issues Underlying the Use of RFID Library System………………….. 9 RFID Library System and Cultural Hegemony.. 11 Conclusion…………………………………….. 15 References…………………………………….. 16 The Development of RFID in Libraries Introduction Information in the 20th century has exponentially increased simultaneously with the increase of knowledge and discoveries undertaken every day. Publication and printing out of information materials are unceasing processes for the documentation of various broad fields where we have accumulated information. With the help of our current technologies, library systems and processes are progressively improved to manage the information organization and make these resources easily accessible for the public. Our goal to provide more using less time and resources poses areas of growth in our library systems. It could be quite challenging to deliver a common good with excellent library services adaptive to both the culture we are used to and to the technological requirements that carries the possibility to fasten the library processes. This paper therefore aims to present information about the development of RFID in libraries and to evaluate its influence in the society. What is RFID? Radio frequency identification or simply RFID is a technology that equips a fast-paced library system which is usually adopted by very high circulation public libraries although small to midsize libraries have reaped its benefits as well (Rethlefsen, 2011). Caldwell-Stone (2010) defines it further as RFID “enables the tracking and monitoring of physical items by attaching an RFID tag or transponder to an item. Each tag consists of an internal antenna and a computer chip that stores data. When the tag is scanned or interrogated by a reading device equipped with its own antenna, the tag communicates its data wirelessly via radio waves to the reader.” The distance where an RFID tag can be read by the library’s reading device is important to know as this measures the item’s security within the library’s premises and also the speed of the borrowing or returning process in the library. However the said distance or range is affected by factors such as tag design, the tag and the reader’s method of communication and, the quality of the radio frequency available where the RFID application operates. Caldwell-Stone (2010) explains that “active” RFID tags are more recommended as these can transmit signals in long distances being powered by batteries or other power sources. Whereas “passive” tags transmit signals in relatively limited distances having no power source and being able to transmit information only when powered by the energy from the radio signal transmitted by the RFID reader. Not only the components of RFID systems include tags and tag readers but also computer hardware adding in servers and security gates and, RFID-specific software including RFID system administration programs, inventory software and many others (Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2006). These equipments facilitate the whole communication process about sending and receiving data regarding the item borrowed and related information on the borrower’s details and programmed due dates for the item’s return. How RFID Works in the Library System RFID tags are attached to library items. Every tag contains a particular amount of internal memory (EEPROM) for storage of data such as a unique identifier and a security bit, but can also contain other kinds of information, such as the book title, ISBN, library identifier, date and time stamps, and shelf locations. When these tags are scanned through a Radio Field generated by an RFID reader, the transponder in the tag transmits the stored information back to the reader, thereby identifying the object. The RFID tag and the reader communicate by wireless technology. The types of waves differ through the distance that cover one cycle of the wave and the quantity of waves that pass through a certain point given a period of time. An RFID reader starts to emit signal once it is switched on. It emits signal at the frequency band available in a library where 13.56 MHz is used. Any RFID tag that corresponds to a reader will detect the signal and use its energy to wake up and supply operating power to its internal circuits. When the tag signal is decoded as valid, it sends out message to the reader by modulating the reader field. Should there be several tags present, such as in a pile of books, then all these will send out message to the reader simultaneously. The reader interprets this as a signal collision which indicates presence of multiple tags. The reader is designed with an anti-collision algorithm wherein it is able to sort and individually read the tags. After the reader finishes its communication with the tag, then it can remove it from the list or put it on a standby until an appropriate time. This anti-collision algorithm allows the RFID system to organize its work when multiple tags are detected at the same time by a reader (Narayanan et al., 2012; Caldwell-Stone, 2010). RFID and Its Structure The application of RFID technology within libraries enables a machine-assisted collection, usage, storage and broadcasts of data (Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2006). Essentially, RFID technological system makes library management a more manageable task with the reduction of tedious manual chores that are required for inventories and data validation in the book loaning system. Some of the benefits that RFID delivers according to Rethlefsen (2011) include “enhanced security, streamlined collection management, and less repetitive motion for staff. Perhaps the greatest benefit, however, is efficiency, by speeding processes and freeing up staff time”. An RFID Library system typically consists of eight components: RFID tags, a self check-out station, a staff check-out station, a self-return book drop with an automatic check-in feature, a tagging station, a set of security gates, a shelf scanner for inventory and an administrative station. The self-checkout station permits patrons to borrow books without the assistance of library staff. When patrons need staff assistance, they could go to the staff check-out. The book drop station allows returned books to be processed immediately by updating the database at the exact time the books pass through the chute. The shelving station speeds up the process of sorting the returned books for re-shelving. The shelf scanner allows library staff to take inventory and find books that are inappropriately shelved without any effort of pulling the books off the stacks (Narayanan et al., 2012). These essential components of an RFID Library system are depicted in Figure 1 below. Discussion RFID Library System and the Society It is a fact that since RFID was invented in 1969, patented in 1973, industrially tested in the 1980s and standards publicly presented in 2001 (Narayanan et al., 2012) and continually improved in the succeeding years, effectively enabling the adoption of the RFID technology in the library systems, thousands of libraries especially in the United States have benefitted from it. There are 1,500 libraries that already employ RFID applications in 2,500 facilities in the year 2009 (Caldwell-Stone, 2010). Unlike the Barcode system, which was widely used prior to the introduction of the RFID system, libraries preferred the latter because of its capacity to process multiple items concurrently. This equates to more library service to more patrons in the same amount of library time. In a very broad way, RFID technology has radically changed how the library system is conducted and how the library materials are handled. The Pros of RFID Library System According to BookTec Information Co. (2012), the advantages of RFID system implementation in the library can be summarized in six ways: 1. RFID tags replace both the electro-mechanical (EM) security strips and Barcode. 2. Simplify patron self check-out / check-in. 3. Ability to handle material without exception for video and audio tapes. 4. Radio Frequency anti-theft detection is innovative and safe. 5. High-speed inventory and identify items which are out of proper order. 6. Long-term development guarantee when using Open Standard. Most product reviews commend the anti-theft mechanism and efficiency of the RFID system that provides room for library capacity expansion and better services. RFID makes use of current sophisticated technology that allows both security and effective tracking of library materials which lighten and speed up the check-ins and check-outs routines, inventorying and materials handling. It automates certain processes and creates premium personalized systems that delight the customers and make the library business stand-out. Take for instance the self check-ins where customers receive receipts upon return of the items borrowed. This allows book fines to be reduced and the borrowing-returning system to run smooth and fast. Through RFID, return bins are configured to work with automated sorting bins. The re-shelving process for these returned items thus became faster. Since the sorting job has become automated, there is significant reduction in the time and labor required to achieve the enormous sorting task in libraries. The inventory wands also are excellent help in sorting books that are out of order. These wands beep when items are misplaced and then they show the proper place where the book must be shelved. Most users program the wand to show the proper place within four or five books. Sorting in finer levels could also be done, but usually the finest sorting requires longer read times using the wand (BookTec Information Co., 2012; Smart, 2004). The result of automating most library methods is service expansion. Since manual labor is reduced, library staff can now attend to more public service. The persons stationed in the circulation desk can now be reassigned to do other activities that can attend to the patrons’ needs. With the usage of inventory wand, inventorying has truly become easy and practical to be performed frequently. Smart (2012) in her study reports “Robert Ferrari who is the stacks manager at California State University, Long Beach said they had never performed an extensive inventory prior to having RFID. Now he inventories 5000 books per hour. The first time they did a partial inventory, Ferrari found 300 items they had recorded as lost or missing. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has reported saving $40,000 in replacement costs for the 500 "lost" items it found after tagging its 600,000 plus collection. Frequent inventory and shelf reading and, more accurate holdings information could increase patron satisfaction." Cascading effects generally mark an effective system. In the case of the advantages in applying RFID library system, aside from better public service that can be delivered when inventorying becomes easy, one significant aspect is that the collection development also improves. This takes part in the in-house usage of RFID. Monitoring of library items is now an uncomplicated task with the help of the magic wands. These tools can even generate electronic reports as needed. It will be simple to determine which books or items are frequently taken off the shelves (Smart, 2004). Thus, reference materials that are often used can be arranged accordingly, and the seldom used one can be decided to be kept in the storage room. More importantly, RFID system creates a less stressful and therefore healthy and safe environment for the library staff (Stone, 2010). RFID lowers the incidence of repetitive stress injuries among staff and the costs related with lost time and workers' compensation payments. Further investigating on the risky motions of circulation staff member, in San Francisco Public Library for example, leads to identification of grasping, reaching and lifting as the primary ones. With the implementation of RFID, everyone looks forward to the significant decline of such injuries (Smart, 2004). The Cons or Negative Issues Underlying the Use of RFID Library System The use of RFID has been negatively linked to privacy since the launching of the system. Actually, serious concerns were brought out from the retail distribution of RFID rather than in the library installations settings. This controversy had its milestone in 2003 when San Francisco Public Library Commission received objections from Electronic Frontier Foundation, a civil liberties group, to consider RFID during one of its hearings (Smart, 2004; Stone, 2010). Stone (2010) distinctly reports “It argued that the use of RFID tags in the library would facilitate the tracking of individuals and their reading materials and infringe on library users' rights to privacy and freedom of expression.” The next disadvantage about the usage of RFID library system is associated with its high cost (Narayanan et al., 2012; Smart, 2004). Book tags are priced between 40? and 70? per tag. Media tags are at about $1 each. Tags’ prices could go down however, library tags will remain highly priced unlike the other tags used in warehouse applications. It is because library tags use short-range frequencies only, unlike the other tags that work on group-level and varying frequencies. RFID technology is also reported for its vulnerability to be compromised by wrapping a household foil to block the radio signal (Narayanan et al., 2012). Another way is by placing two items against each other such that one tag overlays the other, this cancels out the signals. These RFID weaknesses are yet to be studied and require expertise on the technology so it can be carefully aligned. There is also a risk for the RFID tags to be removed from the item to where it is fixed. It is impossible to conceal the tags anywhere in the book parts thus making them exposed from being removed. Narayanan et al. (2012) suggests for the RFID tags to be inserted in the spines, however this cannot be done in thin books and, not all RFID tags are flexible. It is recommended for the libraries to imprint RFID tags with their logos so they appear as bookplates, or they can print a cover label and place each tags underneath the cover. One imperative risk that has been dealt with immediately is the security risk involved in the implementation of RFID system. Experts reported that there are many ways in which library RFID tags are vulnerable to security risks. This security issue imposed the development and implementation of the Best Practices by the Berkeley Public Library, CA, and the Ontario Privacy Commissioner. Practices that involve notifying patrons on the usage of RFID, assigning of library staff to oversee security measures, and regularly reviewing the privacy controls were directly implemented. Other best practices include the development by committees of the California Library Association and the Public Library Association (Smart, 2004). RFID Library System and Cultural Hegemony The information structure presented through the application of RFID technology in our library systems still embraces the Traditional Structures for Organizing Knowledge according to the definition of Abbas (2010). The advancement in radio frequency technology and marking up of the digitization of library cataloguing enabled the integration of the RFID systems within library systems. It seems that industrialization indeed revolutionized the way we conduct our library practices. Abbas (2010) must have anticipated this progress hence writing his expectations stating that “Perhaps it is also time for library and information science educators and professionals to revisit lessons we have learned in the past (or should have learned) about melding the traditional, present, and future practices so that we take this opportunity to fashion structures for organizing knowledge into integrated, multidimensional, but enriched tapestries.” However, with all the criticisms related mostly to privacy and security risks with regards to the use of RFID Library system, it is good to validate the cultural progress that we highly claim with all these technological and information breakthroughs. RFID is practically used in hundreds of different products in the market today and, new products are continuously developed and launched. RFID tags are also used for automated toll-taking for cars that can be read from many feet away as cars speed along highways. The swiping of card within short distances to our office doors that serve as card keys make use of RFID tags as well. In other instances, RFID tags are used for tracking of farm animals or identify lost pets. They are used in inventorying warehouses’ goods. Recently, the Food Drug Administration studies the application of RFID to identify drugs and avoid counterfeiting. It could also be applied to help in solving movie piracies. RFID tags are useful tools that only vary in the amount and type of information they store, the range in which tags can be read by RFID readers, the frequency of radio waves, the physical size and their market price (Coyle, 2004). Therefore, there is great potential for this technology to expand and be applied in other commercial systems. The accessibility and convenience that the RFID system brings into our library works have brought upon its proliferation in many libraries in the United States and other countries. Should the present system be studied, it is most likely that the RFID system will dominate more library systems in their implementation of rules and services. This can be done by developing better structures where RFID architecture can be integrated. The challenges on public usage of RFID system must be addressed more intently to protect the general public. After all, they are the same target customer that libraries aim to serve better. The privacy and confidentiality guidelines need to be followed in strict conditions. Libraries adopting RFID systems need to carefully configure the technology to achieve maximum protection of the privacy of library users. It is an enlightening solution for the Council of the American Library Association to agree on the "Resolution on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology and Privacy Principles" and for the organization to impose the development of guidelines for the implementation of RFID technology in libraries (Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2006). They also have specified the Basic Privacy and Confidentiality Principles, Policy Guidelines that librarians should observe when selecting and implementing RFID technology, Best Practices on using the RFID technology and, also the best practices when librarians talk to RFID vendors. With all these efforts to drive the implementation of RFID system in libraries towards better library services to more patrons, the authorities take hold of their social responsibilities to create safe environments while we are progressively educating the minds of the people. RFID system in the libraries consequentially causes cultural hegemony. Like any other progressive technology favoured by the public because of its obvious returns, RFID system perhaps will be applied by more libraries and even the RFID tags be used in more facilities. An evidence of the RFID system’s potential to be extensively used in the next generation is the creation of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards which is used for communication between tags and tag readers. The ISO 15693 was originally designed for access control cards. This ISO defines the physical characteristics, air interface, and communication protocol although ISO 15693 does not take account exactly what data is on the chip, how it is formatted, nor the read-write requirements of the RFID equipment. The ISO 18000 series of standards establishes RFID-specific communication protocols. The ISO 18000-3 standard is the one planned to be used with the 13.56 MHz RFID tags deployed in libraries (Smart, 2004). One of the greatest returns on investment in using RFID system in the library is the elimination of the library’s need for circulation staff. This is to be achieved by becoming 100% self check-out. There may be libraries that prefer to let their patrons choose whether to go to a self check-out station or to approach a library staff in check-out desk (Coyle, 2004). The thought of ultimately removing human interaction in library check-out systems is indeed alarming however we have seen it coming. The short human interaction in such system could still benefit some patrons. Having everything done through machines may create an automated culture even for individual persons and, communication and pleasant relational aspects with human beings may be reduced and soon forgotten. Conclusion The development of RFID library system is evident of our continual efforts towards a progressive future. The technological advancements the system has achieved are indeed impressive. However, these must not compromise the common good of the public. The issues and concerns that this new system brings forth must be sincerely addressed. In this particular aspect of organizing all the knowledge through the library system, librarians stand as the authority to decide for the many. Librarians recognize that privacy is essential to freedom of inquiry (Stone, 2010). The constitutional right to various facets of this freedom cannot be fully exercised should any person know that his intellectual activities are being examined in any way by the government or other third parties. The ALA Code of Ethics is the hope for this freedom to be protected. Every library user has a right to privacy and confidentiality. The National Information Standards Organization’s (NISO) issuance of “Recommended Practices” for the use of RFID in libraries in 2007 hopefully led to a best practice. It resulted to the adoption of recommended data models that provide optional data inputs for the RFID library system. However, librarians being leaders and custodians in our library systems must embrace their critical role in the implementation of the RFID system in libraries and, the influence they have to help protect the library users’ privacy. Librarians must closely guard that these RFID systems are used accordingly within library premises and, abide the ALA Code of Ethics and NISO’s Best Practice recommendations. Our present society has accepted the benefits of RFID systems. Some of us have gotten used to the benefits of the automatic library processes. This automation is very promising to wider facilities and audience. Undeniably it has revolutionized our library system and our culture. Librarians serve as our heroes to privacy protection. They must lead in guaranteeing that the public’s privacy is never neglected, else, they also must lead appropriate defensive actions. References Abbas, J. (2010). Structures for Organizing Knowledge: Exploring Taxonomies, Ontologies, and Other Schemas. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc. 234p. BookTec Information Co. (2012). Library RFID Management System. Retrieved from http://www.rfid-library.com/en/default_e.html Caldwell-Stone, D. (2010). RFID in libraries. Library Technology Reports. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.tscpl.org/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA244158911&v=2.1&u =tope96505&it=r&p=EAIM&sw=w Coyle, K. (2004). Management of RFID in Libraries. Journal of Academic Librarianship,31(5): 486-489. Intellectual Freedom Committee. (2006). RFID in Libraries: Privacy and Confidentiality Guidelines. 4p. Lynch, K. (2012, Mar 14). Out with Dewey Decimal, In with RFID. Retrieved from http://rfid.thingmagic.com/rfid-blog/bid/82872/Out-with-Dewey-Decimal-In-with-RFID Narayanan, A., Sanjay, S. and Somasekharan, M. (2012). Implementing RFID in Library: Methodologies, Advantages and Disadvantages, 271-281. Rethlefsen, M.L. (2011). RFID systems: LJ takes a look at some ways that radio-frequency identification technology is being used in libraries. Library Journal. Expanded Academic ASAP. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.tscpl.org/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA265870459&v=2.1&u=tope96505&it=r&p=EAIM&sw=w Smart, L. (2004). Making Sense of RFID. Library Journal, 1294. Read More