I'm very interested in this topic too. My current understanding is that because of interference basically due to the field of broadcast on the tags and the fact that your shelves keep those tags in the books pretty close together, it may be difficult to implement. We haven't tried doing this here (yet).
However, I'm interested in ANY INNOVATIVE way of using RFID other than security or automated materials handling. I think the potential is there.
Basically we spent a good chunk of change to implement RFID here back in 2008, when we first opened this library, not to mention the time to tag the books and then an additional $30,000 or so to replace all the gates this past summer because the hardware reached end of life (not a typical situation apparently) and in truth this security function could have been accomplished better using tattle tape. So I want to push other uses of RFID wherever I can so that I don't feel like all this was a waste.
By the way, you might try asking this question on the RFID in libraries list serv, but you may be met with just the sounds of crickets chirping. You also may have run across Mick Fortune in your research, but it's worth taking a look at his site to see what some of the possibilities are with RFID: http://www.mickfortune.com/Wordpress/
PS Thank you so much for asking the question. I don't feel so alone now :)
Christina Salazar
Systems Librarian
John Spoor Broome Library
California State University, Channel Islands
805/437-3198
-----Original Message-----
From: Code for Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jarrell, Mark
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2014 10:16 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [CODE4LIB] Is Anyone Doing RFID Book Location or Stack Mapping?
Are there any libraries out there that are making use of RFID hardware/software to help patrons know the precise location of books/items on the shelves? Or is anyone use other stack mapping software to help patrons know the general location of items on the shelf? If so, I have a few questions for you. Please feel free to message me directly and I can compile the results into an anonymous set to share with the group.
1. Name of software & vendor
2. Approximate time to implement
3. Approximate cost to implement
4. What types of hardware/software is involved in the process that wasn't used previously?
5. How does the customer locate the item on the shelf (e.g. Via handheld tool, map linked to catalog record, etc.)
6. Is there a way for the patron to find out the location of items that are shelved in non-public areas (if a library branch is undergoing renovations)?
7. Would you recommend this software/hardware method to other libraries? Why or why not?
[cid:B062E8AC-43B8-4564-9851-3B3E64D2EDF1]
Mark W. Jarrell
Online Applications Developer | Richland Library
1431 Assembly St. | Columbia, SC 29201
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