Mick Fortune, Consultant, RFID in UK Libraries

How are you involved with RFID technology?
I am a consultant for education, learning and research companies and organisations that are working to implement RFID technology in libraries in the UK. I've been working with library automation systems for decades, and with RFID-based systems for libraries since 2006. It can be a bit confusing to determine how best to use RFID in libraries. I try to bring a bit of order into that chaos.

How can RFID help libraries?
The truth is that introducing RFID into libraries can sometimes be disruptive. A library cannot solve all its problems with RFID! But there are nevertheless many benefits: Because RFID systems usually allow people to borrow and return books themselves, it can allow library staffers to be freed from front-desk duty and so able to perform other services. The check-in and check-out procedure is usually faster and easier than when it was done manually.

What does the public think about RFID in their libraries?
RFID in libraries has been well accepted by the public. While many people find they need some explanations to use the automated borrow/return systems the first time, they very quickly get the hang of it and they like being in control.

Do you have any "wishes" for this sector?
I hate to see RFID being introduced without cross-sector standards. We don't want RFID systems that cannot speak to systems in other libraries. I'd like to see countries deploy central agencies working to ensure that new systems can interoperate with existing systems, using the same standards. In the UK, Book Industry Communication is undertaking this effort.

What is your vision of RFID in the coming years?
I expect we'll see many new services being hooked onto RFID. In the UK and in the Netherlands, some libraries already have books that arrive pre-serviced, with the tags already attached. RFID can be used to manage stock, prepare budgets, oversee invoicing. There is still a lot to be done with RFID in this sector!

Mick Fortune's blog "RFID – Changing Libraries For Good" can be found at www.mickfortune.com/Wordpress.

Mick Fortune's @LibraryRFID Twitter feed is at twitter.com.

Mr. Fortune runs an annual survey that provides a snapshot of RFID in the UK market. The 2009 survey results can be found here: www.mickfortune.com/Wordpress/. The 2010 survey is expected to be published in February 2011. Watch for links to it from the homepage of http://www.mickfortune.com/Wordpress.

Read our Discover RFID Expert Interview with Sergey Dudnikov, Vice-President & Director of the RFID Department, OOO Systematica, in which he spoke of his company's work with RFID systems in libraries in Russia: www.discoverrfid.org/your-questions/what-experts-have-to-say/sergey-dudnikov.html