tag! you're it: rfid in the ncsu libraries
DESCRIPTION
This NCLA TNT Webinar presents the use of RFID technology at NCSU Libraries!TRANSCRIPT
Tag, You’re It: RFID in the NCSU Libraries
Mara Mathews University Library Technician, User Experience
NCSU Libraries [email protected]
Christee Pascale
Associate Head, Acquisitions & Discovery NCSU Libraries
North Carolina Library Association Technology and Trends Round Table February 25, 2014
NCSU RFID Implementation Timeline • 2011: Hunt RFID Team formed • February 2012: 3M selected at RFID vendor • August 2012: Textiles RFID Hold Shelf Pilot • October 2012: Hunt Collection Tagging Project
Planning • November 2012:
– RFID hardware/software arrives & installed – Staff RFID training – Hunt Collection Tagging Project kick-off – Technical Services staff move to Hunt
• December 2012: – Hunt Collection Tagging Project complete (12/12) – Collections moved to Hunt (began 12/17)
Radio Frequency IDentification • Wireless data transfer • Inventory systems, product tracking, access
control, etc. • Library uses:
– Check-in and checkout, including self-checkout – Inventory management – Security
Library RFID Components
1. RFID tags 2. Tag reader /
Encoding stations 3. Self-checkout
stations 4. Hand-held RFID
readers
RFID Tags
RFID Tag Data • Primary ID • Owner library/institution • Set info (number of parts) • Media format • Usage – circulating, reference • Shelf location • Title ALA Privacy & Confidentiality Guidelines: http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/otherpolicies/rfidguidelines
Encoding Stations • Conversion station • Pad staff workstation
1. Computer 2. Barcode scanner 3. RFID pad 4. Software (conversion
and/or workstation) 5. RFID printer (optional)
Encoding a Tag 1. Open 3M Conversion Station software and
place a blank RFID tag on the pad 2. Scan barcode using barcode reader 3. Place the RFID tag on the item 4. Done!
Open 3M Conversion Station software and place blank RFID tag on pad
Scan barcode using barcode reader
Tag scan error
Converting the NCSU Collection • Subset of entire collection
– Hunt Open Shelving Collection – Hunt Reference Collection – Hunt niche collections (e.g. Faculty Publications,
Science in Fiction, etc.) • Move materials to single location • Plan the project, create documentation, etc. • Train staff • Tag, tag, tag
Pre-Launch Patterns… of Communication
The Pilot Launch
Information Campaign continues Staff Training LIVE September 2012 • RFID Conversion of
Open Hold materials • Open Hold Shelf • Self-Checkout service
The Pilot: the before
Project Objectives Provide a working prototype that could be transplanted to our new James B. Hunt, Jr. Library Identify some of the physical and logistical limits of setup Suggest a smooth, detailed workflow for RFID Conversion, the Open Hold Shelf service, and the self-checkout service Provide valuable guidance for training, troubleshooting and patron support to be applied at our new James B. Hunt, Jr. Library
RFID at Hunt Library Spring 2013
What’s New? 3M RFID checkout 3M RFID self-check kiosks 3M RFID security gates Electronically printed hold slips Specialization of tasks -- circulation/processing split
The (Happily Ever) After: The Now…
RFID Tagging at Hunt Library Books which live in our open stacks Books and non-media items requested from the BookBot Books placed on the Open Hold Shelf Books that are on Course Reserve and/or part of our Textbook Collection
RFID Conversion Workstation
Open Hold Shelf
AskUs Service Point Staff-mediated check-in and checkout
3M Workstation Circulation interface
Open Hold Shelf Area
3M Self-Check Kiosk Self-check in open stacks
Concerns 1. Preserving patron privacy and transaction confidentiality
2. Browsing of the Open Hold Shelf
3. Removal of RFID tags from books
4. Proximity of Open Hold Shelf to service desk
5. Self-Service Kiosk located on 4th floor near Open Stacks area
6. People leaving the library with unchecked-out materials
Challenges 1. Cradle-style self-checkout kiosk with barcode scanner and desensitizer
2. Proximity and positioning of Open Hold Shelf to integrated service point
3. Two RFID tags on one material
4. Defective tags
5. No RFID tags on material
6. Printed endpapers, front and back pages of book
7. RFID reader set properly to work in combination with our ILS (Sirsi)
8. Closing ILS windows upon transaction completion due to pad sensitivity
9. Multi-item RFID tag scan
10. Interference with our security gates from metal construction scaffolding
11.Patrons with multiple last names
12.Normal human error and technical glitches
Q&A
Thanks! Christee Pascale Associate Head, Acquisitions & Discovery [email protected] 919-513-3833 Mara Mathews University Library Technician, User Experience [email protected] 919-515-4474