The Kansas City, Kan., Public library will soon implement radio frequency identification technology at all library branches and the mobile library, according to a spokesman.
This new technology will improve many aspects of the library’s service, library officials said. It will create a new patron experience that allows for faster and easier checkout of items, according to a spokesman. It will also allow staff to more easily inventory and manage the collection so they are better able to meet the information and entertainment needs of the community, the spokesman said.
Since staff will no longer have to spend a large portion of time managing the checkout of items, it will allow them more time to offer their skills and knowledge towards beneficial programs and services both in the library branches and in the community, according to the spokesman.
RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is a technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify certain items. RFID is frequently used for a variety of purposes including store inventory, employee ID badges, pet ID tags, and more.
In libraries, the RFID tag replaces the current barcode system. Each library item receives a unique tag that allows staff to find, organize, and track the item. It will also allow patrons to check out items on their own, using RFID machines that can easily read multiple items at one time, the spokesman said.
Implementing RFID technology will require library branches to be closed for up to one week to tag all items with RFID tags and install the new RFID machines, officials said. KCKPL will close one branch at a time starting in April and May. Patrons may still use the book drops and other library branches during this time, according to the spokesman.
Updates on the closing schedule and more information regarding the use of RFID can be found on the library’s website at kckpl.org.
– Information from Kim Woolery, Kansas City, Kan., Public Library