RFID in library management and maintenance

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an emergent technology that is currently growing in importance. Companies can improve inventory control and track their products by gathering data from RFID labels on the products. Most of the applications for libraries use RFID of 13.56MHz or less, following ISO standards 15693 and 18000-3. The components and operation of an RFID system are described and applications in diverse sectors are noted, particularly with respect to libraries. A general RFID implementation model for a library is presented and practical applications currently in use are described, along with the benefits that result.