R. Bruce Miller, University of California, Merced
RFID is widely used, but most people are unaware that they daily use “contactless integrated circuits that may be read remotely”. One example is the card access systems that are used instead of brass keys to open locks. RFID tags in library materials provide anti-theft management and significant economies and effectiveness in collection management. RFID tags on library borrower cards enable easy self checkout of library materials. However, there are technical aspects to the technology as implemented in libraries that have important implications for ongoing use. Even more important, lack of knowledge regarding the specific 13.56 MHz implementations in libraries have led to public outcry concerning privacy and identity theft. This presentation briefly summarizes the physics of RFID technology, reviews the specific applications for libraries, and discusses legislative actions in California that are intended to prohibit the use of RFID.
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