RFID at HKU Libraries: Phase 2 implementation
YC Wan · The HKU Scholars Hub (University of Hong Kong) · 2012
Background Implemented RFID at the Main Library of the University of Hong Kong Libraries in 2008 1.3 million books tagged in 6 months 5 self-check machines plus counter stations since Dec 2008 Took inventory of Main Library collections in 2009 Decided in 2010 to extend the use of RFID in the branch libraries and audiovisual materials Phase 2 Goals Reduce manpower requirement in counters by increasing rates of check-in and checkout Help staff maximize their productivity by reducing the amount of time spent in routine tasks Improve service quality and workplace ergonomics Enhance library security Interface with the existing RFID system used by the Main Library Implementation Awarded the contract to 3M Hong Kong Limited in Dec 2010 Set up a 5-member tagging team with existing staff Tagging of branch library books started in Feb 2011 360,000 volumes tagged in 74 working days Some 1,000 items tagged per day per staff Official launch held in the Medical Library in Oct 2011 Our First Users Key Issues Integrating the Main Library and branch libraries / audiovisual materials RFID systems Tagging audio-visual materials Privacy in entering PIN Increasing patron self check-in and check-out activities