RFID chip aims to revolutionise the library experience

Convenience for customers at the self-service check-out kiosk is also brought to the next level by the SLIX 2. The RFID chip is capable of scanning multiple tags in one go - a situation that required two checkout cycles in the past works now with only one cycle. The SLIX 2 is fully compatible with existing ICODE library systems, ensuring that over 5000 public and university libraries already using ICODE SLIX and ICODE SLI based labels can migrate and benefit from the latest technology without difficulties.

In addition to improved scanning and reading capabilities, the SLIX 2 introduces NFC technology to enhance library services. The chips offer additional memory space to store dedicated URLs without compromising the library management memory areas. The URLs will point to internet spaces that contain additional information related to the book or media.

Sophisticated content, such as movie trailers, author bios, book reviews and much more, becomes automatically accessible through NFC-enabled mobile devices as they tap marked areas on the books. As well as its intended use in libraries, the SLIX 2 can also be used for ski ticketing, medical records management, document tracking and authorised service monitoring.

“As a long-standing development partner, Bibliotheca is delighted to have been working with NXP on the specification for this silicon which will provide technical advances to libraries globally. The improved memory and enhanced performance means that libraries can extract even more value from their initial label investments - a philosophy we embrace in all our products,” said Andy Chadbourne, President, Global Marketing, Bibliotheca.

“Partnering with companies like NXP help us continue to bring the latest advancements to libraries to help them better serve their communities,” added Matt Tempelis, 3M Global Business Manager, 3M Library Systems. “Our customers will benefit from this RFID technology that allows for even greater speed and accuracy at the SelfCheck station, along with more options for security.”

“More and more libraries worldwide are utilising RFID to automate the issuance and return of media, and gain reliable, real-time visibility for their inventory. Having the ICODE SLIX 2 in place, this high-performing chip will certainly broaden our HF tag portfolio,” stated Samuli Stromberg, Vice President, Segment Industry, SMARTRAC Technology Group.

Markus Desch, technical director of FEIG’s OBID division, added: “The first tests with ICODE SLIX 2 and our handheld inventory reader for library ID ISC.PRH200 showed promising results. We see about 50% performance improvements in the inventory situations of typical library media.”

“With SLIX 2, the latest member in our ICODE SLI family, we continue the successful path of performance improvements in each generation. SLIX 2 smart labels propel libraries and archives into exciting, dynamic environments. Not only will the faster and larger read ranges increase operational efficiencies, the ability of the labels to interact with NFC-enabled devices ensures that customers also greatly benefit by having more valuable information at their fingertips,” concluded Martin Gruber, Business Sector Secure Mobility and Retail, NXP Semiconductors.