Getting down to detailsMichael FortuneLibrary RFID Ltd

Some key areas to consider

•Integration•Hardware •Smartcards•Payments•Security•Remote Management

Integration

•99.99% of library RFID applications are linked to the LMS

•The means by which this link is made – and the level of service that can be supported – may vary between one LMS and another.

•This is a developing area so a quick detour may be helpful…

Communication - SIP

•Standard Interchange Protocol is the most basic level of integration available

•Developed by 3M® corporation to support self-service long before RFID appeared.

•Versions supported by LMS providers vary.

•Levels of service that can be provided by your RFID supplier will vary accordingly.

Communication - BLCF•Book Industry Communication Library Communications Framework (phew!)

• Developed in the UK to improve and enhance RFID/LMS integration

• Defines data pairings and values – does NOT prescribe means of data exchange

• Being used to develop new functionality using web services, APIs…more later

…and so back to Integration•Find out what your LMS provider supports•Don’t specify levels of service that rely on

integration that your LMS provider doesn’t provide

•Ask for statements from both RFID and LMS suppliers on their strategy for integration.

•Be cautious of RFID and LMS providers that use bilateral proprietary solutions to deliver new functionality.

Hardware• Support for the UK Data Model gives you more

choice in selecting hardware.• Be specific about the needs of your library.• Consider:

▫Stock – e.g. teaching materials, oversize items▫Borrower identification - cards, retinal scan,

fingerprint recognition etc.▫Hand held devices – ease of use (for humans and

computers!)▫Any special requirements

(displays, shelving, accessions, sorting etc.)

Smartcards/Smartphones• Be cautious! - Keep up with developments – this is

currently the fastest growing/changing sector.• Don’t assume smartcard/phone suppliers know all the

answers! Many have no knowledge of how libraries work.

• If borrower interaction with the LMS is likelyto be affected by the introductionof smartcard or phone applicationscheck if your RFID supplier willstill be able to supply services.

• Consider privacy issues andinteroperability with otherlibraries/services.

Payments• If you require payment options specify your

requirements in some detail.•Consider:

▫Separate or attached (or optional) payment units

▫Receipt printing (wording, language, messaging)

▫Support for credit & debit/chip and pin/RFID swipe cards etc.

▫Cash handling characteristics – (e.g. recycling)

Security – items

•There are two main types of RFID security in use:- EAS and AFI

•EAS is an “on-off” solution (like tattle tape but using data not magnetism)

•AFI allows greater sophistication (library books won’t set off alarms in supermarkets)

•If you want AFI – ask for it.

Security – detection•Security “gates” come in many different styles

and with different characteristics.•Variables you might specify include:

▫Reading in two or three planes▫Reporting details of illegal items passing the gates ▫Distance between gates▫Aesthetics

•Specify any known local environmental issues that could affect performance – but request site survey as basis for performance guarantee.

Remote Management

•A new area – introduced as guide was written.

•Managing devices over the web/network is becoming more popular.

•Functionality varies between suppliers. •Guidelines need revision to take account of

changes.

Thank You!

Mick FortuneLibrary RFID Ltdwww.libraryrfid.co.ukmick@libraryrfid.co.uk