Bibliotheca announced it is working with the Ottawa Public Library (OPL), and will soon begin converting its entire collection of 2.3 million items from bar code to RFID, spanning across 33 branches and two bookmobiles.

OPL’s Hazeldean branch will be first to receive a full RFID system and will install five of Bibliotheca’s smart station 200 staff terminals and three of its smart serve 400 self-service kiosks. The Bibliotheca solution includes the provisioning of all tags and conversion services in the year ahead, and much of the equipment for the first branch to switch to RFID.

The RFID-enabled system will speed up the check-in and check-out of various library materials. It will also improve patron service by enabling staff spend more time assisting customers, rather than being involved in such manual activities as handling materials.

Once the initial installation complete, OPL staff will be able to analyze the system and determine the roll-out plan for the remaining 32 branches.