Updated RFID Backgrounder for Library Workers

Just came back from the Oregon Library Association where I participated on a panel called RFID in Context: Libraries Won't be Walmarts. Other panelists included Marilyn Sheck of Seattle Public Library, Alan Bern of Berkeley Public Library, and Margaret Hazel of Eugene Public. We pointed out the benefits and limitations of the current library RFID technology and discussed what is likely down the road. As readers of my blog know, I'm not convinced that the current library RFID systems are worth the investment.

Wireless Tracking in the Library: Benefits, Threats, and Responsibilities

From the Back Cover: Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is rapidly becoming ubiquitous as businesses seek to streamline supply chains and respond to mandates from key customers. But RFID and other new wireless ID technologies raise unprecedented privacy issues. RFID: Applications, Security, and Privacy covers these issues from every angle and viewpoint.

SB 682 Turned Upside Down

Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) seems to be fighting an uphill battle with AB 682, a bill originally designed to prohibit the use of RFID in driver's licenses, student IDs, government health and benefit cards and public library cards. Now, instead of prohibiting the use of RFID, the bill mandates security measures that must be used when employing RFID on such documents.