THOROFARE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 14, 2001--Checkpoint Systems, Inc., (NYSE: CKP), the leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to libraries, has been awarded a contract to install its Intelligent Library System(TM)(ILS) in the University of Connecticut's Homer Babbidge Library. The University of Connecticut contract is Checkpoint's largest ILS contract to date. Homer Babbidge Library will join the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Library, Rockefeller University Library, Cerritos Library, Farmington Community Library, Santa Clara Library, as well as 20 other libraries, that have reduced materials handling time by as much as 75% after installing Checkpoint's ILS.
The Intelligent Library System speeds up the materials check-out process by providing a swift, one-step motion for issuing materials, simultaneously updating the information into the library's circulation system and electronically activating security.
ILS also allows for individual self check-in and check-out, built-in security, circulation management, and efficient inventory, all integrated into one system. Checkpoint is the leading provider of RFID technology to libraries and has orders for more than 30 systems and tagged over three million books to date.
"The library staff and I are very excited about our acquisition of the Checkpoint Intelligent Library System. Checkpoint's system supports our strategic direction in significant ways," states Brinley Franklin, director of library services at the University of Connecticut. "Checkpoint's ILS system will protect our valuable print collections and interact seamlessly with item records in our integrated library system. We have acquired the best self-checkout hardware currently on the market, in keeping with our goal of empowering users through advanced technology. We intend to use Checkpoint's Intelligent Library System to rethink library support functions and reassign staff to patron-focused services that benefit a 21st century library," Brinley Franklin added.
The ILS employs a single technology supporting both material handling and security applications, and is based on technology developed by Checkpoint specifically for libraries. It functions via a unique RFID circulation circuit(TM) embedded inside the collections. This circuit operates within its own local network (LAN) of RFID readers placed at appropriate locations throughout the library, including the library entry/exit where it functions as a security alert, triggering an alarm when books are removed from the library without permission. The ILS system processes up to 30 books a second and is the fastest system available for libraries.
"By installing the ILS, the University of Connecticut joins a host of libraries who have chosen Checkpoint's cutting edge technology to address circulation management, inventory and security issues," said Michael Smith, President & CEO of Checkpoint Systems. "We did not use an `off- the-shelf' RFID label but customized our circulation circuit(TM)with the specific needs of librarians in mind. We are proud to build the library of the future and will continue our mission to establish RFID technology as a standard in libraries."
Checkpoint Systems, Inc., a multinational company, is a pioneer in the development of RFID technology for libraries and other industries, and is the world's leading provider of digital radio frequency electronic article surveillance (RF EAS) systems. Founded in 1969 as a library security company, Checkpoint Systems now also markets laser and thermal printers and CCTV systems designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs and provide value-added solutions for customers across many markets and industries. Checkpoint Systems, Inc.'s web site is located at www.checkpointsystems.com. For more information on RFID libraries, contact eerwin@checkpt.com.
