Media Release
23 April 2008

New radio frequency system brings benefits for library customers

Manukau Library customers will benefit from improved self-service facilities with the roll out of a new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system.

From May the project, using 3M Library Systems latest technology, replaces the aging library security and inventory systems. It will require converting each of Manukau Libraries 605,000 items from a bar code to an electronic RFID tag, and the establishment of easy to use self-service facilities for customers at all locations.

While RFID systems have been used for many years to track items in warehouses it is only in the last decade that the technology has been available for use in libraries.

Manukau’s award-winning Botany Library became the first public library in New Zealand to use RFID technology when it opened in 2004.

Manager of Manukau Libraries Mirla Edmundson says the new system offers many advantages for library customers.

“Using RFID means information can be read a lot faster than the bar code system we are presently using. At Botany we have found that customers find it easier to issue large numbers of books. The greater the self-service the more time library staff can devote to personal customer service.

“Staff will find it easier to locate books and undertake an inventory of stock without having to remove the books from the shelves” says Ms Edmundson.

Botany will be having its system upgraded first with the rest of the libraries following over the next 8 months.

ENDS

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