RFID Terminology and Technology: Preparing to Evaluate RFID for Your Library

Abstract

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has arrived. It is commonly used in areas as diverse as warehouses and implantable identification chips for pets and livestock. As with any technology, the evaluator must learn certain concepts and terminology. This article presents various basic concepts of RFID and indicates applicability in the library setting. It provides a foundation for addressing privacy concerns regarding the use of RFID in the library. For those considering implementing RFID in their institution, it provides suggested resources for further reading.

KEYWORDS:

• EAS
• electromagnetic systems
• electronic article surveillance
• ethics
• loss prevention
• privacy
• Radio Frequency Identification
• RFID
• wave physics

Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Column Editor: B. Douglas Blansit ([email protected])