Smart Barcodes: Planning for RFID and Related Privacy Issues

Abstract

We’re being challenged to think about implementing a new technology once again. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology hit the library scene in 1999, but few law libraries are using it. This seems counter intuitive, since RFID presents libraries with the unique ability to inventory and manage library resources more effectively and efficiently. Given the multi-volume nature of our collections and the annual costs of performing shelf reading tasks and locating and possibly replacing lost or missing materials, it appears at first blush that more law libraries would jump on the RFID bandwagon. However cost and privacy are two reasons many law libraries may never move forward with this new technology.

Keywords: RFID Tags, Smart Bar Codes