John,
I have attached a couple of documents outlining our (3Ms) position on RFID. As
you will see from them we (3M) don't believe that Radio Frequency can provide
good enough security protection for libraries. Our experience is that the tags
are too easily located and removed or masked with tin foil (cigarette paper or
chewing gum wrappers). We guarantee a minimum of 80% reduction in book loss
when we supply an electromagnetic system and we don't believe that this would be
possible with radio frequency security.
However, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is another matter. In its
simplest form the RFID tag can replace the traditional bar-code but if that is
all it is used for it is an expensive replacement. 3M has been developing
Digital Identification for libraries based on RFID technology (as you said in
your note - there is a lot of information on RFID but not specifically for
libraries) for a number of years. We believe that by focusing on specific
library processes we can develop products and services designed to suit their
needs. A simple example of designing for libraries is that the tag must be of
archival quality - that is the adhesive must not damage the book and must be
guaranteed to last for the life of the book. Tags designed for warehouses or
retail do not have to have these qualities.
To date we have two libraries in the US operating with our Digital
Identification systems and within the next few weeks we will be installing our
first European site. I was very pleased when I saw your note as up to now we
had not seen much in the way of interest in UK libraries - unlike our
continental colleagues who are noticing quite a lot of interest.
We plan to show some of the Digital Identification products at the Library and
information Show in Birmingham in June. However, exhibitions are, by necessity,
only a way to get a brief taste of what the technology can do so we are planing
to hold a more in-depth session for interested parties during the week following
the exhibition. In addition we are thinking of holding (or sponsoring) a two
day event at the end of September that would facilitate discussions on the use
of technology (SelfCheck / Digital Identification) to change the processes and
free up resources in libraries. At present this is just an outline plan so if
you would like to discuss how you would see a session like this being useful
please don't hesitate to tell me.
One of the attachments requires a colour printer to get the best pictures so if
you don't have access to a suitable printer give me a call and I will send you a
hard copy.
In addition, if you would like someone from 3M to come and give you a
presentation on Digital Identification (we call it DID for short) let me know
and I will arrange.
If you feel that this information would be of interest to colleagues in other
libraries please feel free to pass it along.
(See attached file: VINE article.doc)
Best regards
Michael
Sometimes my header information is stripped out by firewall programmes so my
contact details are as follows:
Michael McCarthy
3M Library Systems
Easthamstead Road
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 1JE
Telephone : 01344 866 484
Fax : 01344 866 495
E.mail : [log in to unmask]
"Library, Worcester" <[log in to unmask]> on 08/03/2000 09:32:08
AM
Please respond to "Library, Worcester" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
cc: (bcc: Michael McCarthy/UK-Europe/3M/US)
Subject: Radio frequency tags
Does anyone have experience or information to offer concerning RFID tags?
These have potential uses as combined security and circulation control, and
we would like to consider them as part of a self-issue initiative. I can
find US sites for suppliers of the equipment, but no hints of how to use
them in libraries.
John Stafford
Senior Librarian
[log in to unmask]
Worcestershire County Council
Worcester Library
Foregate Street
Worcester
WR1 1DT
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