The size of the RFID technology sale made to the National University of Singapore Library by 3M warrants merits notice. The NUS Library will insert 2 million RFID tags in the library materials housed in its six library facilities. Each tag includes a tiny antenna and microprocessor chip that contains information unique to the item it marks. Decoded via radio frequency waves, the tag allows library staff to track items as they enter, move about, and exit the library with a patron. Among the appealing features of the system—designated the “3M Digital Identification System”—is a book drop that integrates digital identification technology so patrons receive a receipt for the returned item(s) and check-in occurs without staff intervention. A portable inventorying wand moved along a bookshelf can also scan the tags.
NUS made the purchase to optimize staff productivity by reducing the amount of time to charge and discharge books and to inventory collections. It also reduces unauthorized removal of library materials.
The system is expected to be fully operational in the Central Library within a year, and in all libraries in 2002. Although actual project cost isn't available, it may exceed $2 million as the tags are quoted at $0.85 each.
3M had previously announced the sale of its Digital Identification System to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 3M expects to officially show the product at library conferences beginning with the ALA Annual Conference in July 2000.
[Contact: 3M Library Systems; telephone 651-736-7168; Web: www.3M.com/library]
