Guest post by Rachel Walker, Seeley Historical Library, Cambridge.

RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) has been around for decades, but it is only now that it is becoming commonplace in libraries across the UK. Nonetheless there are so many examples of how we encounter it in our everyday lives, from using an Oyster card, to electronic toll payments when travelling by car.

Palmer’s book starts by giving an overview of RFID, including its many applications, and how it can be used in libraries to provide self-service, security and stock control all-in-one. He goes on to discuss the experiences of libraries throughout the world and their struggles and achievements with RFID. After giving these introductions the book outlines how to build a business case for introducing RFID, including considerations to make such as what features will benefit the library, how the changes will affect staff and library design, and how evaluations can be made of its performance. Steps are given for how to actually implement the technology, from evaluating suppliers’ offers and anticipating the risks involved, to the practical elements such as tagging your stock.

This book is simple to understand, and covers topics that could prove enlightening to all librarians considering RFID, or just wanting to know what it is. Whilst it does cover details about the technology behind RFID it is kept brief and relevant. There are even some light-hearted parts, such as how Oyster cards have been used in divorce cases to prove where someone has been. This raises the interesting question of whether we should be concerned by the possible invasion of privacy caused by using RFID in libraries, a particularly hot topic in the USA at the moment. Overall I found this title enjoyable and quick to read (it’s only 154 pages), and it has encouraged me to do more research into certain topics covered for my own interest.

Making the Most of RFID in Libraries / Martin Palmer. Classmark: 9852.c.258.12

Photo credit: libraryman via Photopin