Biblioteca launches “on-the-fly” conversion software
24 March, 2009
category: RFID
Swiss-based Biblioteca Inc., provider of RFID-enabled library inventory systems, has announced “on-the-fly” conversion software designed to ease the process of converting to an RFID system. With the non-proprietary software, a library using bar codes can make the transition to RFID tags as patrons check out and return materials.
Biblioteca’s BiblioChip system reduces the amount of time, labor, and cost required to convert an entire library collection from bar codes to RFID. Blank RFID labels are provided for placement on media and shelves.
Then, when a patron checks out a labeled item an a self-checkout station equipped with the software, the station reads the item’s barcode and encodes the RFID label with the information. The process can also take place as items are deposited at an automated book return.
The BiblioChip conversion software works with both Bibliotheca’s line of self-check stations and book returns and with products from other vendors. In addition, for libraries still using EM security strips as well as bar codes, Bibliotheca’s SelfCheck Hybrid models are able to deactivate EM security strips during the automated RFID conversion process.