THOROFARE, N.J. January 18, 2002 -- Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), the leading provider of advanced circulation management solutions to libraries, has been tapped by six additional libraries in four states for installation of the company's radio frequency ID (RFID) based Intelligent Library System (ILS). The libraries include The University of Georgia's Alexander Campbell King Law Library, Athens, GA; Skokie Public Library, Skokie, IL; Ela Area Public Library, Ela, IL; Algonquin Area Public Library, Algonquin, IL; Grapevine Public Library, Grapevine, TX; and the West Ouachita Branch Library, Monroe LA. More than 1.5 million items will be tagged with Checkpoint's circulation circuits in these libraries.
The ILS employs a single technology supporting both materials handling and enhanced security applications, and is based on technology developed by Checkpoint specifically for libraries. It functions via a unique RFID circulation circuit embedded inside the collection.
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 and recording the specific item's identification when items are removed from the library without permission. The ILS system can identify up to 30 books a second, making it the fastest library system on the market.
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 in the library's circulation system and deactivating the security circuit in the application software. The ILS also allows for user-friendly self-check out, automated check-in and efficient inventory, all integrated into one system. Checkpoint is the leading provider of RFID technology with an 80 percent* library market share in the US and Canada.
"By installing the ILS, these libraries join the other libraries that are achieving new levels of efficiency in circulation and inventory management while addressing security issues," said Dave Shoemaker, group vice president for Checkpoint Systems. "The RFID technology on which our ILS is based was pioneered by Checkpoint, and the ILS itself was designed over many years after consulting with librarians to better understand their specific needs. We will continue our mission of innovation in providing the most robust technology solutions with powerful future expansion capabilities."
Other libraries using Checkpoint's ILS systems include the Alhambra Public Library (CA.); Canton Public Library (MI); Cerritos Library (CA); Farmington Community Library (MI); Rockefeller University Library (NY); University of Connecticut (CT); University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Library (PA); Ypsilanti Library (MI), and many others that have installed Checkpoint's RFID technology. After installing the ILS system, these libraries have realized significant operational improvements by reducing materials handling time by as much as 75%.
Further information on the six new libraries includes:
- The Alexander Campbell King Law Library at the University of Georgia maintains a collection of nearly 450,000 volumes. The collections of domestic law, both state and federal, are quite comprehensive. The Law Library is a selective depository for United States government documents; it is one of only 11 U.S. law school depositories for European Union documents, and it also maintains an extensive collection of United Nations documents. The University of Georgia will be utilizing Checkpoint's ILS for self-check out of library materials, as well as tracking of inventory, specifically regarding usage of the most popular volumes and, through a wireless device, finding misplaced volumes throughout the law library.
- The 450,000-volume Skokie Public Library is currently expanding its facilities to a 134,000 square-foot public library. As part of the renovation, the library will add an express check out area that utilizes the ILS self-check out station to allow patrons to check out books themselves.
- The New Ela Area Public Library will open on February 4, 2002. The library will house 200,000 volumes in a 70,000 square-foot structure. The library will have two self-check out areas and an RFID-enabled book return unit that automatically checks in books once they are returned.
- The Algonquin Area Public Libraries are two buildings that will install the ILS in the summer of 2002. The main library is a new 36,000 square-foot building that opened on October 15, 2001. The second, a 16,000 square-foot building, is currently being renovated. Once renovations are completed, the libraries will house a total of 170,000 volumes. The main library will have two self-check out areas for patrons. The branch library will have one express check out area. Additionally, both libraries will have an RFID-enabled book return that automatically checks in library materials.
- The Grapevine Public Library is a newly renovated 53,000 square-foot library located in Grapevine, TX. The library is complete with an express check out area that allows a patron to check out books themselves and has an RFID book return.
- The West Ouachita Branch Library is a new 9,000 square-foot library located in Monroe, LA. The library is complete with an express check out area that allows a patron to check out books themselves and will soon add a RFID-enabled book return unit for automatic check-in of books and library materials.
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. The company 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.
