R.F.I.'d Me
(An overview of librarians' prominent role at the front line of the RFID-privacy debate)
(An overview of librarians' prominent role at the front line of the RFID-privacy debate)
by L. Young
It seems almost beyond debate that the library professionals of tomorrow are going to have jobs that differ significantly from the jobs of their predecessors. One such change relates to the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, both from the perspective of implementing and managing the technology in a library setting, and in ensuring that patron privacy is protected. According to Wikipedia, the first RFID systems were installed in libraries in the early 1990's. (Wikipedia, 2010). Today, libraries all over the world employ RFID technology. Id. (listing examples).
From a technical perspective, 
RFID is very useful in a library setting. It allows for the automated check-out and check-in of materials and it is capable of being used as a security device. Id. However, from the perspective of the professional librarian, the personal and professional cost of implementing technology like this is tremendous. First, there are many different types of RFID systems and tags to choose from. Second, it takes approximately 11 months to convert an average size library over to RFID technology. Id. Third, the cost of the technology and conversion cost is substantial (systems cost $50,000 and up, and tags cost at least $0.35 ea.). And, finally, obtaining approval and staff hours for a massive undertaking like this requires strong, forward-thinking leadership.
RFID is very useful in a library setting. It allows for the automated check-out and check-in of materials and it is capable of being used as a security device. Id. However, from the perspective of the professional librarian, the personal and professional cost of implementing technology like this is tremendous. First, there are many different types of RFID systems and tags to choose from. Second, it takes approximately 11 months to convert an average size library over to RFID technology. Id. Third, the cost of the technology and conversion cost is substantial (systems cost $50,000 and up, and tags cost at least $0.35 ea.). And, finally, obtaining approval and staff hours for a massive undertaking like this requires strong, forward-thinking leadership.
The other impact that RFID technology has in a library setting relates to the issue of privacy. RFID tags come in two basic forms, passive and active, both of which are capable of being "read" from a distance by electronic readers. (Molnar and Wagner, 2004). While libraries typically used "closed" RFID systems and try to avoid coding user information onto tags they use, publishers and retailers are increasingly urging the use of "open" RFID systems to allow tracking of consumer reading, spending and buying patterns. Id. Several industry watchdogs and privacy groups oppose these moves by publishers and retailers, and not surprisingly, these groups believe that library professionals should take a leading role in trying to stop such practices:
The library community [should be] a leader in protecting intellectual freedom and user privacy. Libraries have an opportunity to be societal leaders and a 'model industry' in the way in which they adopt RFID-based circulation and ILS systems. (Givens, 2004).
While a number of librarians from the past have been outspoken about various issues, this sort of advocacy and industry policing is something entirely new.
References
Givens, B. (2004, Jan.). RFID implementation in libraries. Paper presented at the ALA Midwinter Conference, San Diego , CA. Retrieved from http://www.privacyrights.org/ar/RFID-ALA.htm
Molnar, D. and Wagner, D. (2004). Privacy and security in library RFID issues, practices, and architectures. ACM CCS. Retrived from http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~daw/papers/librfid-ccs04.pdf
Wikipedia. (2010). Radio-frequency identification: Libraries. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-frequency_identification
Thank you for a really informative post.
ReplyDeleteThis week I went to visit a library for our upcoming assignment. The Director was explaining to me that they have RFID stickers on their books and it helps them a lot so that a lot of circulation transactions can be finished at the self-checkout machines, without the need to go to the circulation desk. She told me that they are also busy at the circulation desk, so it is helpful for them. I learned that some retailers also use it. If in case the law would change and RFID cannot be used anymore, that would be a loss to libraries that use this technology.
Meskerem
Thank you for the commen Meskerem.
ReplyDeleteMy local library has switched to RFID tags too and the Director there said the tags have been very useful. Besides several self check out stations, the library also installed a new automated (conveyor driven) return system that reads the tags, updates the circulation records and sorts the materials into the appropriate bins to be returned to the stacks.