Can radio frequency identification be used in libraries and information centers?

—Name withheld

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Absolutely. Many libraries around the world have deployed RFID systems to track books, CDs and periodicals (see Libraries Adopt RFID by the Book, Tag Encryption for Libraries, 3M Launches Tag Data Manager for Libraries, Tags for CDs Get a Boost and Munich Libraries Add New Readers). Some have introduced automated checkout systems. RFID makes it easier to find books, ensure they are in the proper location and track when the items move within the facility. There are several companies that offer complete library systems, including 3M and Bibliotheca.

You can view a variety of stories RFID Journal has published on the subject here.

—Mark Roberti, Editor, RFID Journal