FAQ's about RFID-usage

1. When did you start using RFID?
   In 1999 Silkeborg Public Library began experimenting with RFIDs. However, not until the middle of 2004 did the system work properly in our bookmobile, branch library, and main library. In February 2003, all materials at the branch library, had been equipped with chip. This was the last pilot project, and in May 2004 the main library was closed for a fortnight, 130.000 items were converted.
   
   
2. Why did you chose RFID and why is the usage you are doing with this system?
   i.e. loan, inventory, etc.
   RFIDs were chosen with the intention to rationalize library and patron processes. We can automate processes, which we want not to be done by the staff, but by the patrons themselves. In that manner we can disengage traditional monotonous library resources with the purpose to get resources for new innovative, creative and intelligent projects and processes. The library of today needs to renew and rethink itself in the time of "Economics of Leisure". If not, we do not have any raison d'être. (Fremtidens bibliotek).
   
   
3. Do you use RFID and also other systems (magnetic) at the same time?
   In this case, why?
   No, we do not any longer use bar codes. To be as efficient as possible RFID readers are installed at all self-service desks and necessary working stations for the employed.
   
   
4. Can you explain us the 3 most important advantages and 3 most important disadvantages?
   
   • The patron can borough many items (books, cd's audio books) in one process.
   • Easy to handle compound materials, such as audio books with for example 14 cassette tapes.
   • You do not need expensive and troublesome "safers" for CD's.
   • RFIDs are still quite expensive.
   • As long as only one or few libraries use RFIDs, library using bar codes have problems in relation to interloan between libraries.
   • As long as RFID's are new in libraries the equipment is still under development with such problems that prototypes give and problems with stability and compatibility with "foreign" software and hardware.
   
   
5. Can you tell us how satisfied are you: Minimum: 1 ... Maximum: 5
   In general we are very satisfied, why we will give 4 points.
   
   
6. Which recommendations can you give us before implementing RFID?
   
   1. First of all: Weed out ALL obsolete materials BEFORE converting to RFID.
   2. Remember planning a well organized detailed logistic for the staff, the material and the process.
   3. Make distinct and precise agreements with your suppliers.
   4. Be sure to choose the right RFID-type, bag type, box type etc. to the right material.
   5. Make serious calculations on estimated time consumption.
   
   
7. Can you give us same complementary information?
   
   1. Number of documents with RFID:
      Approx. 130.000 items.
   2. What we ought to consider to evaluate costs.
      Planning time is greater than expected. Period for necessary time closing the library for the public. When the conversion "runs", we estimate that a "conversion group" of 3 persons can convert 300 items per hour. At our maximum process we had established 15 working groups, each with 3 persons. You can expect a great deal of troublesome and time consuming materials through and after the proper conversion period.
   3. Global estimate cost.
      Very difficult to calculate. We have no global estimations.
   4. Time required.
      Converting the 130.000 items is afterward calculated to have taken approx. 3 man-year.
   5. Maintenance evaluation and annual cost.
      ? ? ?
   6. Other information you believe can help us.
      You are very welcome to contact us for further information, and you are, too, very welcome to make a study tour to Silkeborg Library, where we can show our processes and equipment and more detailed answer and discuss your questions.

• RFID documents with an English section
• TagVision - our RFID and equipment supplier
• Fremtidens Bibliotek - Library of the future
• Live video showing the convertion process
• Video demonstrating the loan process using RFID and What is a RFID?