Library turns over new leaf

New Zealand's first public library application of RFID (radio frequency identification) has been announced.

Manukau City's Botany library, scheduled to open in October, will use RFID, specifically designed to streamline library support functions such as security and shelf-management.

The Checkpoint Meto technology offers the library security and efficiency gains as much staff time is used ordering shelves, in lost book searches and real time update of items.

With this system, stocktakes which take two days and require libraries to close will now be completed in hours.

When books have been placed on the wrong shelves it will no longer be necessary to go through the shelves physically looking for them. They'll be found by walking around the library with a wand that picks up the frequency of the book's tag.

Checkpoint Meto will be more user friendly with touchscreens and more efficient self-checkout and returns equipment.

The system will allow librarians to determine which items are being used most frequently or if a book has become obsolete because the system supplies usage data electronically.