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BACKGROUND <br /> The Pleasanton Public Library hired a consultant and issued a Request for Proposals to <br /> convert the current library self-checkout machines and security gates to RFID on January <br /> 11, 2016. Three proposals were received for the equipment, software, and conversion of <br /> existing library materials to RFID compatibility. An additional quote for just collection <br /> tagging was received from Backstage Library Works. Backstage offered the best price <br /> per item and had the highest recommendations from other library systems, citing the <br /> greatest degree of accuracy in both tagging and keeping the collections in order during <br /> the tagging process. The attached agreement with Backstage Library Works is only for <br /> the conversion of existing materials to RFID. The agreement for the equipment and <br /> software will come to the City Council in the next month. <br /> The Library has approximately 228,000 items in the collection. Each item needs to have <br /> an RFID tag affixed to work with the new RFID self-checkout machines and security gates. <br /> This RFID tag contains a unique barcode number, which allows the RFID reader to link <br /> each item to its record in the library system. In addition, each and every item needs to <br /> be put back into the collection in proper order for continued findability and usability by <br /> both staff and patrons. <br /> The anticipated time to tag the entire collection is eight weeks. This process needs to be <br /> completed prior to the new equipment and hardware being installed. <br /> DISCUSSION <br /> In the past, there have been citizen concerns regarding information privacy with the use <br /> of RFID. The RFID tags proposed for use in the Pleasanton Public Library will be encoded <br /> with only a barcode number. This barcode number is unique to our Integrated Library <br /> System, meaning that it only connects to an item record, within our Pleasanton Public <br /> Library catalog. Library cards, containing access to patron records, will not be converted <br /> to RFID. <br /> Converting our collection to RFID tags now will better prepare us for the future. RFID <br /> provides many opportunities for operational efficiencies, including: self-checkout, check- <br /> in, materials sorting, and inventory control. It also has potential to reduce repetitive use <br /> injuries as staff are redeployed from repetitive, behind-the-scenes tasks to higher level <br /> customer service activities. <br /> Page 2 of 3 <br />