Branch libraries and technology: Impact of a new main library

Purpose – To explore the interactions between branch libraries and a new main library, in the area of technology equipment and services. Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction which highlights the major elements in place at UNLV Libraries for networking and equipment, each branch situation is described and evaluated. Findings – The advantages of UNLV Libraries\u27 philosophical approach to consistent patron access at all points of service are found to be substantial, and include regular equipment and software upgrades, as well as systems expertise. The major disadvantage proves to be flexibility in approaching patron needs. Practical implications – Provides a philosophical basis and concrete examples of branch efforts to provide adequate technology and services to their patrons. Originality/value – Useful to branch librarians making a case for enhanced resources, or discussing possible configurations of responsibility regarding technology equipment and services

A cost benefit analysis of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) implementation at the Naval Postgraduate School's Dudley Knox Library

MBA Professional ReportThe purpose of this MBA project is to evaluate the potential of implementing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology at the Naval Postgraduate School's Dudley Knox Library (DKL). DKL is an academic library supporting a graduate student population only. This study has both quantitative and qualitative analyses. A Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) was conducted using data gathered from research which included personal interviews, site visits, and a survey questionnaire. Time and motion studies of selected library processes were conducted at DKL and a major public library. Vendors were invited to submit proposals for RFID systems to get the latest equipment available and associated cost estimates. The qualitative analysis addressed the advantages and disadvantages of an RFID system as well as privacy and other ancillary issues surrounding its implementation. This study did not attempt to quantify potential savings from collection management, an intangible benefit that could be addressed in future studies. Finally, the study presented several options to aid NPS decision makers on whether or not to implement an RFID system at DKL.http://archive.org/details/acostbenefitnaly1094510100US Navy (USN) authorApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Application of RFID in Aviation Industry: An Exploratory Review

Recently, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has received considerable attention and is considered to be the next wave of information technology revolution. The number of RFID applications in different industries is increasing continuously. Cumulative sales of RFID tag is up in 2006 which shows RFID adoption trend in industries to improve their efficiency of operations and to gain a competitive advantage. In the aviation industry, major airports, airlines have been also planning the RFID adoption in baggage handling and customer services areas for a long time. Many pilot tests have been performed at various airports and RFID tags were found to be far more precise along with better performance than bar codes. This paper provides a review on RFID systems, associated technology, advantages, limitations and applications in various fields. Further, this paper reports the preliminary review of state of RFID adoption planning, architecture and implementation plan in a major airline, focusing on improved baggage handling, increased airport/airline security and customer services. KEYWORDS: aviation, airline, baggage handling, customer-service, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID

Enlightened shelf awareness

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2009.Includes bibliographical references (p. 52-55).The use of RFID technology in libraries has increased to the point where it is now the centerpiece of emerging automated self-checkout, return, and theft detection systems. With the external borders of the library secure, focus has shifted to improve the internal state of a library's collection, which is subjected daily to use and abuse by library patrons. In this thesis I present BookBot, a robot equipped with RFID readers, that automates the otherwise manual shelf-reading process and helps librarians keep their database in sync with the library's physical inventory. Experiments on single shelves and entire bookcases confirm that this robot-assisted approach to inventory management can not only detect misplaced books reliably, but accurately determine the order of the books on the shelves and even localize the coordinates of each book to within a few centimeters, enabling both the librarian and the user to reach a state of Enlightened Shelf Awareness.by Isaac M. Ehrenberg.S.M

In search of the radio frequency identification (RFID) implementation framework: Lessons from the United Kingdom's public sector

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.This study presents a normative framework of the RFID implementation process in the UK public sector. It was motivated by the lack of socio-technical studies on the RFID implementation process in the UK public sector and the need for existing and potential RFID project managers to have an implementation model which could guide their effort in implementing any RFID initiatives in the sector. The study has been conducted through a combination of case study research and grounded theory research approach. Primary data have been collected from the in-depth interviews conducted with the RFID project managers from seven public sector organisations, i.e., five libraries and two hospitals. The analyses of the data were in two main stages. The first stage involved the analysis of the RFID implementation process in each of the organisations and the second stage involved a cross analysis of the RFID implementation process across the entire organisations. Potential contribution towards the existing body of knowledge on RFID implementation was in the form of a normative framework of RFID implementation process in the public sector. This framework describes the main and sub activities in the implementation process, and illustrates the dissimilarities and similarities between the implementation processes. Consequently, the implications of the study to the existing and potential RFID project managers in the public sector and also to the study of information system and RFID implementation are discussed

In search of the radio frequency identification (RFID) implementation framework : lessons from the United Kingdom's public sector

This study presents a normative framework of the RFID implementation process in the UK public sector. It was motivated by the lack of socio-technical studies on the RFID implementation process in the UK public sector and the need for existing and potential RFID project managers to have an implementation model which could guide their effort in implementing any RFID initiatives in the sector. The study has been conducted through a combination of case study research and grounded theory research approach. Primary data have been collected from the in-depth interviews conducted with the RFID project managers from seven public sector organisations, i.e., five libraries and two hospitals. The analyses of the data were in two main stages. The first stage involved the analysis of the RFID implementation process in each of the organisations and the second stage involved a cross analysis of the RFID implementation process across the entire organisations. Potential contribution towards the existing body of knowledge on RFID implementation was in the form of a normative framework of RFID implementation process in the public sector. This framework describes the main and sub activities in the implementation process, and illustrates the dissimilarities and similarities between the implementation processes. Consequently, the implications of the study to the existing and potential RFID project managers in the public sector and also to the study of information system and RFID implementation are discussed.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

UNLV Libraries and the digital identification frontier

Purpose – To reflect on activities and developments related to the 3M™ Digital Materials Flow Management since its implementation at the UNLV Libraries, including system hardware and software developments and the UNLV Libraries\u27 evolving relationship with 3M™. Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction which highlights the major 3M™ Digital Materials Flow Management components in place at the UNLV Libraries, product improvements that have expanded the functionality of the system are detailed, patrons and staff benefits of the technology are described, and RFID privacy issues at the UNLV Libraries are examined. Findings – Expanded capability and use of the 3M™ Digital Materials Flow Management system has allowed the UNLV Libraries to establish more efficient processes for undertaking collection management activities, such as inventory and weeding. The system has also had a positive impact on customer service. Benefits of the system currently outweigh the potential risks in terms of patron privacy. Practical implications – Libraries must continually assess their positions on radio frequency identification (RFID) and patron privacy as technology progresses. Additional possibilities and developments stemming from further collaboration between libraries and vendors in areas such as product standardization are anticipated. Originality/value – Provides information on innovative uses of the 3M™ Digital Materials Flow Management system and gives concrete examples of system benefits. Useful to libraries considering the implementation of an RFID system, those currently working with the 3M™ Digital Materials Flow Management system, and those considering collaborative work on product development with a vendor