Ordinary Gweilo

From the SCMP:

The government proposes spending nearly HK$200 million to upgrade computer systems at public libraries to meet growing demand.  The Leisure and Cultural Services Department plans a trial in six libraries of a new identification tag system to replace bar codes. 

A paper to be discussed by legislators on Friday says it would cost HK$196,467,000 to introduce the radio frequency identification (RFID) system in all libraries over six years. 

RFID is a wireless technology that transmits data from objects to computer systems. A tag that stores bibliographic information unique to each library item will replace the bar-code labels.  Unlike bar-code technology, which requires line-of-sight reading of individual items, the RFID system offers reading of multiple items. Singapore National Library and Seattle Public Library already use it. 

Information technology sector legislator Sin Chung-kai said: "RFID can enhance the security of public libraries and prevent members of the public from stealing books. 

"At present, library staff have to check the bar code of every book one by one. But with RFID, a basket of books can pass through a sensor when they are checked out. If any book hasn’t gone through the sensor, library staff will be alerted."

Sounds like a good idea, but (as usual) the story is a bit misleading.  For one thing, they will presumably still have to stamp the return date by hand in each book, so it’s not as if you will simply be able to walk out with a pile of books and have them checked out automatically.

Also, they already already have a security system in place.  When the books are checked out, the staff have to pass them over a special device that de-activates the security device.  If this is not done, the alarm will sound.  RFID may simplify the process, but I doubt that it will stop people stealing books – and, anyway, is that really such a big problem?

On the other hand, their existing computer system for finding and reserving books certainly does leave a great deal to be desired.  The same titles often appear multiple times in different places, and it lacks two useful functions – firstly to only display titles on the shelves at a particular branch, and secondly to allow you to reserve a copy from anywhere.  Having said that, it’s a good service, and the charge they make for reserving books is very reasonable (I think it’s HK$2.50).

The other big improvement they need to make in the branch I visit is to get the shelves organized, so that books are in the right place (the Central Library in Causeway Bay is much better).  Perhaps their plan is to issue RFID scanners to the public so that they can find the books that are supposed to be in stock.