UNLV Libraries and the digital identification frontier
| Published date | 01 September 2005 |
| Pages | 313-322 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830510621739 |
| Date | 01 September 2005 |
| Author | Jennifer L. Fabbi,Sidney D. Watson,Kenneth E. Marks,Zep Sylvis |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
THEMED ARTICLE
UNLV Libraries and the digital
identification frontier
Jennifer L. Fabbi, Sidney D. Watson and Kenneth E. Marks
Curriculum Materials Library, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas,
Nevada, USA, and
Zep Sylvis
Lied Library, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Abstract
Purpose – To reflect on activities and developments related to the 3MeDigital Materials Flow
Management since its implementation at the UNLV Libraries, including system hardware and
software developments and the UNLV Libraries’ evolving relationship with 3Me.
Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction which highlights the major 3Me
Digital Materials Flow Management components in place at the UNLV Libraries, product
improvements that have expanded the functionality of the system are detailed, patrons and staff
benefits of the technology are described, and RFID privacy issues at the UNLV Libraries are examined.
Findings – Expanded capability and use of the 3MeDigital Materials Flow Management system
has allowed the UNLV Libraries to establish more efficient processes for undertaking collection
management activities, such as inventory and weeding. The system has also had a positive impact on
customer service. Benefits of the system currently outweigh the potential risks in terms of patron
privacy.
Practical implications – Libraries must continually assess their positions on radio frequency
identification (RFID) and patron privacy as technology progresses. Additional possibilities and
developments stemming from further collaboration between libraries and vendors in areas such as
product standardization are anticipated.
Originality/value – Provides information on innovative uses of the 3MeDigital Materials Flow
Management system and gives concrete examples of system benefits. Useful to libraries considering
the implementation of an RFID system, those currently working with the 3MeDigital Materials Flow
Management system, and those considering collaborative work on product development with a
vendor.
Keywords Identification,Collections management, Librarymanagement, Electronic data interchange
Paper type Case study
In the 2002 article, “Implementation of the 3MeDigital Identification System at the
UNLV Libraries,” (Fabbi et al., 2002) the experiences of field testing radio frequency
identification (RFID) technology at the UNLV Libraries were detailed. The system was
originally beta tested at the UNLV Curriculum Materials Library (CML) branch prior to
its implementation at Lied Library when it opened in 2001. A discussion of the
assimilation of various RFID products into the Libraries’ workflows was included. In
addition, expectations were outlined for future product developments and changes
were anticipated in how this technology would affect tasks completed by library staff
(Fabbi et al., 2002).
The Emerald Research Register for this journal is available at The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
The digital
identification
frontier
313
Received 1 February 2005
Reviewed 30 March 2005
Accepted 25 April 2005
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 23 No. 3, 2005
pp. 313-322
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/07378830510621739
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