Essex libraries embrace RFID

Essex libraries are embracing RFID technology to improve customer service and make better use of real estate.

Several hundred thousand books have been fitted with radio frequency identification (RFID) chips and dozens of libraries have had scanning technology installed which allows them to offer a range of new services such as self-service checkout.

The £1.2m rollout of the wireless tracking tech, which started in January 2006 and was completed in March of this year, now operates in 31 of the 73 libraries in Essex.

Martin Palmer, libraries manager for Essex County Council, told silicon.com: "RFID tags are able to combine two of the staples of library technology: the barcode and the security tag."

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The RFID tags - created by Intellident which claims retailers Tesco and Marks and Spencer as customers - allow borrowers to check out books without occupying library staff.

Borrowers simply place the books they want to take out onto the libraries' RFID scanners which detect which items have been chosen.

Using a touch screen the individual can then check out the books and even pay any late fees he might have run up.

Palmer said: "People find [the self service checkout] very quick and easy to use."

Several months after the RFID rollout 75 per cent of all borrowing transactions are carried out using the self-service facility.

This frees up library staff who can now walk around the library and help browsers with queries. The self-service checkout has also allowed several libraries to remove checkout desks and use the space for other purposes such as a district council help desk.

Palmer said: "We can open up the area and make it much more relaxed."

Currently 18 UK public authorities use RFID in their library networks - the first being Norwich which launched its system in 2000.

Palmer sees a bright future for RFID. He said prices for RFID chips are a third of what they were five years ago and if prices fall further the technology will have an even greater appeal.