Radio Frequency Identification Technology for Logistics, Tagging and EPC

3M turns UK's libraries of today into libraries of tomorrow

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

3M has been selected to supply its RFID technology to several United Kingdom libraries, to establish self-checkout systems for its patrons, making items more easily identified and located, reports Industry Today.

The new system will feature 3M’s SelfCheck Systems, backed by 3M’s Red Tags, designed especially for media loans such as CDs and DVDs.


3M has been working with Warrington Borough Council to install its line of SelfCheck equipment across its 13 libraries, and is already up and running at libraries in Lymm, Warrington, Penketh and Stockton Heath. Burtonwood library went live at the end of last year and three further libraries will move to 3M’s SelfCheck system this year.

In Southwark, John Harvard Library was the first to be converted to a self-service facility using 3M’s SelfCheck equipment. Other Southwark libraries set to follow include Canada Water Library, Grove Vale Library, and Peckham Library.

The SelfCheck system will allow customers to quickly and easily check out and return items. With integrated payment options customers are also able to securely pay outstanding fees at the SelfCheck terminals. Even more so, it permit librarians to spend more time with patrons, improving customer satisfaction.

3M’s system also includes portable handheld devices, which allow staff to quickly and easily perform real time inventory scans.

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Vaughan Public Libraries in Ontario, Ca. are in the final stages of implementing the Fastrac RFID system.

The Fastrac RFID will provide greater convenience to patrons, time savings for the staff and additional security for the library itself. Provided by the partnership between VTLS and mk Sorting Systems, the installation will include several self-checkout kiosks, staff stations, RFID gates, tagging stations, tagging wands and tags.

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UPM has reached an agreement with SMARTRAC whereby UPM will sell its RFID business to SMARTRAC. UPM will become an indirect shareholder of SMARTRAC with a 10.6% economic interest through the company OEP Technologie.

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A number of Queens, N.Y. libraries are converting their collection of books and other media to support RFID check-in and check-out, according to The Queens Gazette.

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The library district in Montgomery, Ala. has launched a new RFID system to deter theft of books and other library materials.

According to the Montgomery Advertiser, the district has had an ongoing issue with library books disappearing without a trace, which cost the system about $9,000 last year.

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Washington D.C. high school and middle school students now need a DC One Card to ride the city’s transit system. The card is a single ID card that gives students access to most D.C. government programs and facilities, including recreation centers, libraries, and the Metro.

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Denton public libraries have announced plans to install new RFID technology in an effort to speed up the check-in of returned items, while easing the workload of library staff.

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