Ivar Tisin said the modern technology can help enhance a quality performance in libraries otherwise needing a dear cost to come about.

 

RFID according to the expert was a newer version of barcodes in use in many markets and shops to facilitate business as well as to boost security.

 

Tisin noted that the state of the art technology hit the market following the release of EM (electromechanical) systems, adding that after 20 years of experience in library projects, he could tap RFID as an invaluable breakthrough in library affairs.

 

"The technology even allows an individual to check in a certain title at holidays by dropping it in a special box before the RFIF software activates a specific book ID," the expert elaborated, adding that many libraries worldwide operate the technology.

 

The Finnish expert said RFID systems check the performance and activities of librarians as a peer during the year and assist them to ensure security and facilitate inventorying of publications without tipping them out or removing them.

 

The technology also facilitates check-in, check-out operations, the expert said, noting that it is no more necessary to place a table before library members as a hand-held inventory reader can be moved rapidly across a shelf of books to read all unique identification information otherwise needing the switching in and off of a host of keys in traditional methods.

 

The RFID system can also retain identification information of library resources for later use, the expert told the panel, adding that librarians need not change their operating software as the RFID fit library software in large part.

 

Tisin then touched on advantage of the technology in shelving affairs, saying that the technology allows a librarian to identify any misplacement in library shelves by use of an inventory reader.

 

Another panelist expanded the RFID advantages discussion by naming identification and theft tracking as two major features of the technology which operate in different computer environments.

 

Sayyid Mehdi Taheri, who studies librarianship in university, summarized the RFID advantages in the treble management of check-in, check-out operations, inventorying and security.

 

He said the technology was first got applied in libraries "as libraries are usually on the vanguard of application of modern technologies."

 

Siamak Mohammadi, another panelist, too extended the discussion by saying that RFID could be defined in Persian as a radio, identification tag which is annexed to book covers with a tiny chip.

 

He went on to say that a fist arrival of the technology in Iran was seven years ago while it got popular only two years later.

 

Mohammadi noted 8 companies are currently operating in RFID design and manufacturing and have started to market their software products.

 

"Libraries make up the clientele of the technology in large part," he added.

 

The panel discussion on panel on "Applications of RFID technology in libraries" was staged Sunday evening, May 9 in House of Authors in the 23^rd edition of Tehran International Book Fair.