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RFID expert outlines advantages and challenges in RFID implementation

New York, NY (April 3, 2009)- Although RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology has helped libraries of all types and sizes substantially improve and modernize customer service, its numerous variables and ongoing, rapid development make it a risky investment that does not suit every institution. Making the Most of RFID in Libraries, to be released in North America by Neal-Schuman on April 25, 2009, outlines the many advantages and risks associated with RFID implementation, and provides librarians with a practical, straightforward guide to help them individually evaluate its value, maximize its benefits and manage its inherent challenges.

Written by RFID expert Martin Palmer, the book begins with a thorough overview of the history and background of RFID technology, and provides a basic explanation as to how the technology works. There is also a summary of its current problem areas and main library applications, functions and relationship to the Automated Library System. Palmer moves on to cover standards, interoperability and privacy, including tracking, hacking and legal limitations, health and safety concerns, and the impact it has on the changing design of library buildings and layouts. Next, there is guidance to help library managers build a sound business case for RFID implementation, with discussion of the benefits, risks and rewards, rationale, and RFP preparation, followed by an evaluation of its impact on staffing savings and efficiencies. The implementation process is covered next, with guidance for evaluating offers, purchasing a system and managing the installation process. Palmer then demonstrates the ways to make the most of an RFID system and provides a real life example of a library with a long-running and successful RFID program. The book concludes with a look into the future of RFID in libraries, including new uses and developing technologies. There is also an extensive appendix with a list of RFID system suppliers, Web sites, blogs, and forums.

Making the Most of RFID in Libraries provides an in-depth and practical examination of the benefits, problems and risks associated with RFID technology, and is an important resource to help libraries determine whether RFID technology is a worthwhile investment.

Making the Most of RFID in Libraries
ISBN 978-1-85604-634-3. 2009. 6 x 9. 192 pp. $110.00. Facet Publishing

About the Author
Martin Palmer is the Principal Officer of the Libraries for Essex County Council in the United Kingdom. He is chair of the BIC/CILIP RFID in Libraries group and of BIC’s E4Libraries Steering Committee.

About Neal-Schuman Publishers and Facet Publishing
Facet Publishing titles are exclusively available in the United States through Neal-Schuman Publishers, a leading provider of library management, Internet, and information technology resources. Facet is the imprint of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (formerly the British Library Association). Founded in 1976, Neal-Schuman Publishers is based in New York City with offices in London, UK.

For More Information and/or Cover Art
Contact Sarah Eisenberg
sarah.eisenberg@neal-schuman.
com
100 William Street, Suite 2004
New York, NY 10038
212-925-8650
www.neal-schuman.com

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Experts help professionals manage time and impact achievement

(New York, NY) April 3, 2009 – School library media specialists frequently confront new and challenging demands for their skills and services. Fundamentals of School Library Media Management, to be published on May 20, 2009, launches a new, two-color interior design that makes learning even easier for busy readers who depend on Neal-Schuman’s popular and practical How-to-Do-It series. Authors Barbara Stein Martin, a leading professor of school librarianship, and Marco Zannier, an accomplished practicing school librarian, offer clarity, guidance and practical advice to help both novice and experienced professionals adapt to their ever-evolving roles and expertly manage their school library media center.

The authors provide a comprehensive, wide-ranging guide to every facet of school library media management, and the book is equally effective when used as a classroom text or as a professional improvement tool. Organized into seven, clearly labeled parts, Stein Martin and Zannier begin with a section called The Basics, in which they provide a thorough introduction to daily management tasks and duties like getting to know your work environment, organization and time management, communicating with stakeholders, setting goals, and learning about and locating essential documents. The next part, called Library Media Specialist as Library Administrator includes topics like staffing the library, working with and maintaining a budget, circulating books and other materials, and weeding and performing inventory. It is followed by a section called Library Media Specialist as Information Specialist that covers processes for selecting, ordering, processing, and arranging books and other materials, and includes guidance for using and selecting databases and web sites, creating a library web site, and connecting users to the proper resources. Next, Stein Martin and Zannier cover the Library Media Specialist as Teacher and Instructional Specialist, where they identify ideas and methods for learning about and becoming involved in the school curriculum, finding and providing research assistance, offering special programming, and important guidance and tips for effectively collaborating with teachers and other school departments. The following part is called Evaluation and covers closing the library for the summer and important methods for assessing the past years’ successes and failures.

The first of the Stein Martin and Zannier’s two concluding sections, called Selected Policy Documents, includes the Library Bill of Rights, Interpretations, and Freedom Statements as well as real life examples of disciplinary action and acceptable use forms plus network security and privacy, safety and copyright policies. The concluding section, called Directory of Essential Sources and Suppliers for School Library Media Centers, includes lists and URLs for book and journal vendors, review sources, audiovisual producers and equipment suppliers.

Fundamentals of School Library Media Management offers comprehensive, clearly organized coverage of the essential roles and responsibilities involved in school library media management, and is an effective resource for both practitioners and students.

Fundamentals of School Library Media Management: A How-To-Do-It Manual
ISBN: 978-1-55570-656-2. 2009. 8.5 x 11. 195pp. $59.95.

About the Author
Barbara Stein Martin is the Hazel Harvey Peace Professor in the College of Information, Library Science, and Technologies at the University of North Texas. She is also the director of the online school library certification program. She has experience as a school librarian at both the elementary and secondary levels and is the author of several books and journal articles, including the widely adopted textbook Running a School Library Media Center
Marco Zannier is the lead librarian at Elsik High School in Houston, Texas. He has worked in middle and high school libraries and is a former English teacher at both levels. He is also currently an adjunct professor at the University of North Texas’ College of Information, Library Science, and Technologies.

About Neal-Schuman Publishers
Neal-Schuman Publishers is the leading provider of library management, Internet and information technology resources, including the highly acclaimed “How-To-Do-It” series. Founded in 1976, Neal-Schuman Publishers is based in New York City with offices in London, UK.

For More Information and/or Cover Art
Contact Sarah Eisenberg
sarah.eisenberg@neal-schuman.com
100 William Street, Suite 2004
New York, NY 10038
212-925-8650
www.neal-schuman.com

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