As new technologies force there way into our lives we find it more and more difficult to make these vast transitions overnight. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), is not a new technology, but is a technical term heard of more and more. We see little tags on our clothing, groceries, and more recently our library books. This tiny device has caused major concerns for the library environment. The concerns with RFID and its relationship with public libraries is privacy.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is the latest technology to be used in library theft detection systems. RFID-based systems combine security with more efficient tracking of materials throughout the library, including easier and faster charge and discharge, inventorying, and materials handling. Many other institutions are using RFID: Gap, UPS,

Wild Game 30 Years ago World War II? Utilized to reduce friendly fire by transmitting radio frequency between craft tranmitters to identify themselves.

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Most libraries are only adding the barcode to the RFID tag. Which means that anyone checking the tag will only see the barcode #, the would need access to the ILS to see the description of the book. Although there is a loss of human interaction, staff will be free from manning reference desks and circulation desk to assist customers during the selection process. Immediate high costs for equipment and new processing materials play an important role in implementation.

The Use of RFID in Public Libraries By Danielle M. Walsh Fall 2005 GSLIS 701: Fundamentals of Library Science

Introduction What is the controversy all about?

What is RFID? Explanation of RFID How does RFID apply to Libraries? Common uses today

The History of RFID Wild Game Tracking Reduction in Friendly Fire Casualties

Positive Responses to RFID Faster Service Self-Checkout Multiple Item Check-out Security Material Control Reduced miss-shelved materials

How does RFID work in Libraries?

Negative Responses to RFID Privacy Issues Human Interaction with customers High Costs

Libraries and RFID California Public Libraries Survey

References Kern, C. (2004). Radio-frequency-identification for security and media circulation in libraries. Research Library, 22. Retrieved Sep 03, 2005, from www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm. Crawford, W. (2005). Technology, privacy, confidentiality, and security. Library Technology Reports, 41. Retrieved Sep 21, 2005, from http://elibrary.bigchalk.com. McWilliams, A. (2004, March ). Boost your RFID IQ. Library Administrator's Digest, Retrieved Sep 21, 2005, from http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3858/is_200403/ai_n9384767. Boss, R. W. (2003). RFID Technology for Libraries Library Technology Reports, 39(6), 1-55. Retrieved Sep 21, 2005, from Galenet database. Falk, H. (2004). Privacy in Libraries Electronic Library, 22(3), 281- . Retrieved Sep 21, 2005, from Emerald Research database. Holt, G. (2003). Keeping up with self-check. The Bottom Line: Managing Libraries Finances, 16(3), 111-126. American Library Association, (n.d.). RFID: a brief bibliography. Retrieved Sep. 21, 2005, from ALA Fact Sheet Number 25 Web site: http://www.ala.org/PrinterTemplate.cfm?Section=libraryfactsheet&Template=/ContentM..