Almost one in five UK public library authorities have implemented radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to improve services.

Essex County Council, Leeds City Council and University of Exeter Library are among those looking at RFID to enable library self-service systems, freeing up staff to help customers.

Martin Palmer, interim libraries manager at Essex County Council and chairman of the RFID in Libraries Group, has overseen the installation of the technology in 35 of the county’s 73 sites in partnership with BT, and says adoption has increased as cost has declined.

‘RFID fits with a number of libraries’ agendas, including modernising the service, ease of use, self-service and stock management,’ he said. ‘About 18 per cent, equating to 26 of the 149 public library authorities, are using the technology.’

Palmer says the RFID in Libraries Group wants to establish standards to encourage take-up.

‘We are looking at how data is put on tags in libraries from a standards point of view as there is inter-lending between libraries. Putting standards in place will mean tags are compatible with lots of different systems,’ he said.

Leeds City Council is planning to procure and install self-service and security using RFID in 32 libraries by 2010 under the terms of a £2m contract.

‘RFID in libraries is not bleeding-edge technology, but is gaining critical mass,’ said Geoff Prowling, strategic sourcing manager at the council.

‘We have conducted trials at two libraries and feedback is very positive with more than 90 per cent of people using it.

‘Interest in RFID is growing as self-service becomes of more and more interest to local authorities, as the technology automates processes in libraries and frees up front-office staff,’ he said.