News Release

The Library Technology and Privacy Advisory Committee (LTPAC), an advisory body initiated by the San Francisco Public Library to help address technology and privacy issues in relation to initiatives at the Library, has issued a summary report on the possible use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in San Francisco libraries.

Comprised of individuals with expertise in emerging technologies, the committee first convened in April 2005 and was charged with exploring possible use of RFID for library purposes. The desired outcomes of the committee were to specify vendor requirements, especially those dealing with privacy protections, should the Library choose to implement RFID technology; and to present one or more educational forums on RFID to the general public.

RFID technology has broad applications and is used in everything from tracking bridge tolls and store merchandise to identifying lost pets. The technology is used by placing a chip with a small bit of data and an antenna on an item, enabling the data on that same chip to be accessed by a reading device. RFID is rapidly replacing barcode technology for hundreds of libraries throughout the world. Concurrently, privacy concerns are increasingly important to both libraries and the public at large due to many factors, such as identity theft, sophisticated tracking systems, and current provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.

RFID-tagged library items, like those using barcodes, will automatically update the library’s database when a tag is read. However, unlike barcodes, RFID tags do not have to be in the line of sight of a reader. Benefits of RFID technology for libraries include: decreased repetitive stress injuries; increased efficiency of check-in/check-out processes; more staff time which can be reallocated to other patron services; improved collection management; and strengthened security.

In its summary report, the LTPAC recommends further investigation of RFID use in libraries prior to implementation in San Francisco. The committee further advises that the Library conduct a privacy audit, solicit staff concerns on the use of RFID and research the return on investment of implementing such a system.

The Library Technology and Privacy Advisory Committee will present its report to the Public Library Commission on Thursday, Dec. 1. The meeting, which will begin at 4 p.m., will be held in the Koret Auditorium of the Main Library, Civic Center. Following the presentation, members of the public will have the opportunity to make public comment.

More information about RFID, the summary report and an opportunity for comment can be found at the San Francisco Public Library web site at http://www.sfpl.org/news/sfplandrfid.htm.