Assigned Reading 6 RFID

The article regarding the RFID was interesting.  When you think of the different ways that technology has changed the way a library works and functions, the RFID could easily be one of the more challenging ways of change.  This system allows for all kinds of ways to help the library/staff-- checking out/in books, loss management. some types of quality control and even help free up staff.  could the cost of these tags be worth it to a library?  That seems to be the biggest question.  Not only in what they would "cost" but the upgrade or adding of a system to read/scan/use the tags.

when I was reading the article--i equated the check out procedure to how it can be at Home Depot or a local grocery.  Where one doesnt have to stand in a long line to be manually checked out.  Older patrons are used to service, maybe even welcoming the interaction with the clerk who is working at the service desk.  But students today who have grown up with faster check out options are already open to doing it themselves to get on with their daily activities.

This is a dilemma that most libraries will face--will the RFID be worth it to their own collections and patrons.  Will the cost balance what they hope to increase in time and help to their patrons?  i think it is definitely an option that they all should consider.