Connection and disconnection

'A local area network (LAN) is a computer networkthat interconnects computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building.^[1] The defining characteristics of LANs, in contrast to wide area networks (WANs), include their usually higher data-transfer rates, smaller geographic area, and lack of a need for leased telecommunication lines.'


For me, the network is not that difficult a concept to comprehend. As I read on, I remembered the early part of the PC boom period where all local networks were using coax (coaxial cable). Hard to believe that Ethernet connections are really a recent development.


" Although RFID can be used in library anti-theft systems, this does not mean that it is a highly secure technology. What libraries do not tell their users, and none of us should probably say very loudly, is that RFID tags can be shielded by a thick layer of Mylar, a few sheets of aluminum foil, or even an aluminum gum wrapper, so they will not be detected by the reading device. In addition, today's tags are not hidden in the spine of the book, like security tape, but are often found on the inside of the book cover, barely concealed by a library label, and can be removed. This is not a condemnation of the technology nor even a reason not to use it in the library security system; the reality is that library security has never provided more than a modicum of security for library items. The gates and their alarms are as much social deterrent as they are actual prevention. The reason to use RFID for security is not because it is especially good for it, but because it is no worse than other security technologies. There is, however, some potential savings because a single tag serves many different functions."

The Coyle RFID article has some very legitimate points to me, but these two in this paragraph leap out at me. Any security protocol can and will eventually be hacked, even thought it's mere existence may act as a deterrent. As for all the increased efficiency in library collection management, that's a double edge sword.  Our tech is isolating us more and more everyday. People are texting each other in the same bloody house rather than go and talk to them. There is something to be said for qualitative human customer service and as librarians, I think we should step up our promotion of that effort and see that it is far from minimized.

After checking the ALA's policy statement on RFID,  there are more than casual concerns for the abuse of data collected by this tech as well. Regardless of inventory concerns, Coyle makes the point the books and other articles still have to be shelved. So, a human factor is still going to be essential  for overall efficient library inventory operations.