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RFID FAQ

RFID and Automated Material Handling and Self-Check at the Denver Public Library

Want to help the Library with this project? Please visit the RFID Volunteer page for more information.

What is RFID?
RFID or Radio Frequency Identification is a long-established technology that libraries around the world are adopting to identify and circulate their collections. It is widely used in wholesale, retail, shipping, and a variety of other industries.

Why is the Denver Public Library adopting RFID?
RFID is a proven, reliable technology that should increase staff productivity and reduce repetitive motion injuries. It will also speed up turn-around time, so that our customers have better access to materials. RFID will improve security and inventory control. Research from other library systems shows that RFID usually pays for itself in 2-3 years, by keeping staff costs constant while circulation increases.

How is RFID being funded?
The Better Denver Bond Program, approved by voters in the November 2007 election is the funding source for the project.

What is the Library purchasing with this money?

RFID Tags. These are adhesive tags about 2 inches square, that can be stuck to books, magazines, DVD cases, or any other library materials.
Self-Checks. The new modular self-checks will read the information on the RFID tags and the bar code on library cards, allowing card holders to check out their own materials more quickly and easily.
Staff Workstations. These plug-in PC peripherals will allow our staff to check out and return materials with RFID tags and write new information to RFID tags. And, hand-held versions will be used to search for materials on the shelf.
Automated Handling Systems. These are book returns attached to conveyor belts and sorting bins. They will accept, return, and sort incoming items according to preset criteria. They will be installed at the Central Library and several other branches.
Security Gates. The current security gates at the Central Library will be replaced with new gates that will use RFID to determine if items have been properly checked out.

How long will the conversion to RFID take?
Because of the complexity of the project and the size of the Denver Public Library collection, one to two years will be needed to complete the project. However, our goal is to RFID tag 88% of our 2 million item circulating collection by the end of 2009, and install most of the staff workstations and self-checks as well.

What about my privacy?
It is very unlikely that someone would be able to obtain information from the RFID tags in the materials checked out to you. More importantly, the only information stored on the tag is the item serial number, a code number identifying the item as belonging to the Denver Public Library, and a number indicating if the item is on the shelf or checked out. The serial number of the item is randomly generated and has no relation to the title or subject matter of that item. Only a Library staff member with authorization to use our circulation system can determine the title of the item attached to that serial number. The first line of the Denver Public Library Privacy Statement reads as follows:
"Your records are strictly confidential. At the Denver Public Library, we go the extra step to ensure that your records remain your business and no one else's."

With all this new automated equipment, will there still be staff available to assist me?
Yes, and it is one of the main objectives of the project to free up staff to provide more one-on-one service. Making better use of staff time through RFID and eliminating the inefficient and excessive materials handling that can lead to repetitive motion injuries, will allow the Library to provide better customer service and dramatically improve your access to all the materials and services the Denver Public Library provides.

How can I find out more about this project or other Better Denver Bond Program projects underway at the Library?
Updated information about current bond projects may be found at http://denverlibrary.org/bond.

Want to help the Library with this project?
Please visit the RFID Volunteer page for more information.