[OPLINLIST] RFID tagging

Thu Feb 9 15:40:43 EST 2017

Chiming in to agree with Ed's point that unless you're making the even
larger investment in automated sorting, RFID is not a good investment for
public libraries, but also to mention that many of the time and accuracy
savings of RFID can also be achieved through streamlining. Even something
as simple as placing the barcode in one consistent location on your items
and sorting checkins directly onto shelving carts can cut huge amounts of
time in processing.

While I recognize that the technology continues to improve, when I worked
for Columbus Metropolitan Library one of several reasons we didn't pursue
RFID about 10 years ago was that through workflow analysis and streamlining
our staff were already processing materials as fast as the automated
systems did at that time, and with the same number of staff that would be
needed to run the automated system. So before taking the plunge I'd
recommend that you at least make sure that you've gotten all the
efficiencies you can out of your current processes, and that RFID will
still add value after that.

Naturally, your mileage may vary, and I'm glad that it's worked so well for
Westlake!

Nick

C. Nicholas Tepe
Director
Athens County Public Libraries
95 W Washington St
Nelsonville, OH  45764
(740) 753-2118
ntepe at myacpl.org

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On Thu, Feb 9, 2017 at 11:01 AM, Tim Donaldson <
Tim.Donaldson at westlakelibrary.org> wrote:

> Ed:  I understand your argument and agree with it within context of
> individual library situations.  However, as a public library, our RFID
> experience has greatly improved our self-check service, allows us to see
> titles when an item sets of the security gate, and has greatly sped up our
> check-in times using an RFID sorter, clearing patron accounts and filling
> holds quicker, and allowing staff to focus on other tasks within the
> library.
>
> Tim Donaldson
> Tech Services Manager
> Westlake Porter Public Library
> 27333 Center Ridge Rd.
> Westlake, OH 44145
> 440.250.5454 <(440)%20250-5454>
>
>
>
> ---- Original Message ----
> From: "Ed Worso" <ed.worso at geaugalibrary.info>
> Sent: 2/9/2017 10:05:08 AM
> To: "Heidi Sutter" <heidi.sutter at norwalk.lib.oh.us>
> Cc: "oplinlist at lists.oplin.org" <oplinlist at lists.oplin.org>
> Subject: Re: [OPLINLIST] RFID tagging
>
> I will go on record on the listserv as stating that for the most part, it
> is an unwise investment for public libraries to move to RFID. Even as
> prices have dropped per tag, if you are weeding your library correctly, you
> inventory will turn over quickly enough that it won't merit the cost. If
> you are running an academic library and your collection will remain static
> and generally only increase, it makes sense. It's an investment that would
> have lasting value.
>
> The usefulness value of RFID greatly increases with the purchase of
> additional devices like a conveyor belt for sorting returns and self check
> scanning stations, etc. These are generally a large initial expense that
> most smaller libraries can't readily afford.
>
> On the whole, lacking deep pockets, there are other ways to spend tax
> payer money that can have greater impact.
>
> This is my humble opinion.
>
> Ed
>
>
> Edward Worso
> Director
> Geauga County Public Library
> Administrative Center
> 12701 Ravenwood Drive
> Chardon, Ohio  44024
> 440-286-6811 ext 2500 <(440)%20286-6811> office
> 440-226-4511 <(440)%20226-4511> cell
> 440-286-7419 <(440)%20286-7419> fax
> <http://geaugalibrary.net/newsite/>
> <http://www.geaugalibrary.net/>
>
>
> On Thu, Feb 9, 2017 at 9:55 AM, Heidi Sutter <heidi.sutter at norwalk.lib.oh.
> us> wrote:
>
>> Hello,
>>
>> Collective brain, I am woefully ignorant when it comes to this stuff and
>> i'm trying to learn a little more.  The norwalk library is thinking of
>> adding RFID tags to our materials and purchasing a wand from Tech Logic to
>> increase our catalogs accuracy and eventually add self checkout into the
>> mix.  Has anyone recently added RFID tags to a whole collection, we have
>> around 50,000 items, can you tell me a little bit out how involved/how long
>> it will take to RFID every item? best practices etc.
>>
>> Thanks so much,
>>
>> *Heidi Sutter*
>> Director
>> Norwalk Public Library
>>
>>
>> -Do not go where the path may lead, Go, instead where there is no path
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