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In a major implementation of RFID technology, 3M is supplying Singapore’s National Library with an integrated system of digital
identification for library materials. RFID technology is new in the library world - it combines the functions of barcode and security system (tagging)
so that books can be checked out and in without the need for library staff - as costs come down more libraries might consider this technology.
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World’s largest radio frequency project to streamline operations, security in six libraries in
the NUS Library System
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Press release: 26 April 2000 - 3M Library Systems and the National University of Singapore (NUS) Library today announce that they will introduce an integrated system of digital
identification technology to the university’s libraries. The project is significant, involving two million books and materials across six libraries, making it the largest library site radio frequency
identification (RFID) project in the world.
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Mr Lennon Tan / Ms Joanna Goh
3M Singapore Pte Ltd
Tel : (65) 450 8803 / (65) 450 8844
National University of Singapore Library www.lib.nus.edu.sg
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“The National University of Singapore Library has its eyes on the future,” explained John Yorkovich, digital
technologies marketing manager, 3M Library Systems. “Due partly to budget limitations, university libraries sometimes can’t see beyond immediate needs. Yet libraries like NUS have to address future needs with
solutions that allow them to best serve their information-hungry, technology-savvy patrons.”
NUS Library has selected the 3MTM Digital Identification System to integrate and further
automate its six libraries. The concept of the 3M Digital Identification System, which includes a suite of products that track library materials by a “smart label” affixed to each item, was
introduced at last year’s American Library Association Annual Convention in the U.S. The system will be officially introduced to the library industry at the 2000 ALA show in Chicago in July.
NUS Library will immediately begin using the 3M Digital Identification System Conversion Station
to facilitate the transition from optical bar codes to digital identification tags. Each tag includes a tiny antennae and microprocessor chip that contains information unique to the item it marks. The
tags will be decoded via radio frequency waves so that items can be identified easily and rapidly during issue and return, and also whilst within the library itself. The 3M Digital Identification
System is the cornerstone of 3M Library System’s Materials Flow Management concept, which seeks to optimize this flow of materials.
The 3M Digital Identification System will be used within the NUS libraries to, among other things:
Maximize staff productivity by reducing the amount of time needed to manage time-consuming
routine tasks, like tracking lost items and taking inventory (which will be completely automated with the 3M Digital Identification System)
Enhance patron services via Smart Remote Bookdrop systems. The patrons will be able to
return any books from any of NUS libraries at 15 convenient locations around the campus.
Minimize unauthorized removal of library materials, as the Digital Identification System provides
for patron checkout that integrates magnetic security with detection systems located at the exits/entrances of the libraries
Patrick Lye, head circulation of the NUS said: “Students can return materials when and where it is
most convenient for them and, because the book drops also integrate digital identification technology, they can accept and identify items, dispense a receipt to the borrower, and check
items back into the library’s automation system.”
The 3MTM Digital Identification System is expected to be fully operational in the Central Library
from June 2001. NUS expects to complete the project for the entire six library system in 2002. A fully operational 3M Digital Identification System includes: 3MTM Digital Identification Tags,
.3MTM SelfCheckTM Systems, 3MTM Staff Workstations, 3MTM Digital Library Assistants, which are hand-held wands that perform functions such as inventory with a sweep of a hand;
3MTM Tattle-TapeTM Security Strips and 3MTM Detection Systems – all of which can be fully integrated with Book Drop and Sorting Systems.
The global leader in library security for nearly 30 years, 3M protects literally billions of individual
items in thousands of libraries throughout the world.
3M is an innovative, highly diversified U.S based, multinational corporation with worldwide sales
of more than US$15 billion in 1998. A world leader in innovation and technology, its vision it to be the most innovative enterprise and the preferred supplier in every market it serves. Today, 3M
has operations in more than 60 countries and employs more than 70,000 people worldwide. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, 3M has more than 50,000 innovative products serving
markets from industrial and electronics to consumer and health care markets.
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