Examines key considerations when creating an RFP for RFID procurement in a library. Should be viewed in conjunction with NAG/BIC Guidelines document - free from www.libraryrfid.co.uk

1. Getting down to details
Michael Fortune
Library RFID Ltd

2. Some key areas to consider
• Integration
• Hardware
• Smartcards
• Payments
• Security
• Remote Management

3. Integration
• 99.99% of library RFID applications are linked
to the LMS
• The means by which this link is made – and the
level of service that can be supported – may
vary between one LMS and another.
• This is a developing area so a quick detour may
be helpful…

4. Communication - SIP
• Standard Interchange Protocol is the most basic
level of integration available
• Developed by 3M® corporation to support self-
service long before RFID appeared.
• Versions supported by LMS providers vary.
• Levels of service that can be provided by your
RFID supplier will vary accordingly.

5. Communication - BLCF
• Book Industry Communication Library
Communications Framework (phew!)
• Developed in the UK to improve and enhance
RFID/LMS integration
• Defines data pairings and values – does NOT
prescribe means of data exchange
• Being used to develop new functionality using web
services, APIs…more later

6. …and so back to Integration
• Find out what your LMS provider supports
• Don’t specify levels of service that rely on
integration that your LMS provider doesn’t
provide
• Ask for statements from both RFID and LMS
suppliers on their strategy for integration.
• Be cautious of RFID and LMS providers that use
bilateral proprietary solutions to deliver new
functionality.

7. Hardware
• Support for the UK Data Model gives you more
choice in selecting hardware.
• Be specific about the needs of your library.
• Consider:
▫ Stock – e.g. teaching materials, oversize items
▫ Borrower identification - cards, retinal
scan, fingerprint recognition etc.
▫ Hand held devices – ease of use (for humans and
computers!)
▫ Any special requirements
(displays, shelving, accessions, sorti
ng etc.)

8. Smartcards/Smartphones
• Be cautious! - Keep up with developments – this is
currently the fastest growing/changing sector.
• Don’t assume smartcard/phone suppliers know all the
answers! Many have no knowledge of how libraries
work.
• If borrower interaction with the LMS is likely
to be affected by the introduction
of smartcard or phone applications
check if your RFID supplier will
still be able to supply services.
• Consider privacy issues and
interoperability with other
libraries/services.

9. Payments
• If you require payment options specify your
requirements in some detail.
• Consider:
▫ Separate or attached (or optional) payment units
▫ Receipt printing (wording, language, messaging)
▫ Support for credit & debit/chip and pin/RFID
swipe cards etc.
▫ Cash handling characteristics
– (e.g. recycling)

10. Security – items
• There are two main types of RFID security in
use:- EAS and AFI
• EAS is an “on-off” solution (like tattle tape but
using data not magnetism)
• AFI allows greater sophistication (library books
won’t set off alarms in supermarkets)
• If you want AFI – ask for it.

11. Security – detection
• Security “gates” come in many different styles
and with different characteristics.
• Variables you might specify include:
▫ Reading in two or three planes
▫ Reporting details of illegal items passing the gates
▫ Distance between gates
▫ Aesthetics
• Specify any known local environmental issues
that could affect performance – but request site
survey as basis for performance guarantee.

12. Remote Management
• A new area – introduced as guide was written.
• Managing devices over the web/network is
becoming more popular.
• Functionality varies between suppliers.
• Guidelines need revision to take account of
changes.

13. Thank You!
Mick Fortune
Library RFID Ltd
www.libraryrfid.co.uk
mick@libraryrfid.co.uk