MAdissertation-Cunningham.pdf (1.23 MB)
A case study into the implementation of RFID at the Pilkington Library Loughborough University
educational resource
posted on 2011-09-19, 13:28 authored by Matthew S. CunninghamThe aim of the study was to examine the implementation of RFID at the Pilkington
Library. This was the first time the entire process had been examined, pulling
together both qualitative and quantitative data.
The study examined internal Library statistics on issue figures, sick leave, staffing
costs and enquiries. It also used pre-existing Library user survey data and an internal
training survey. These were combined with interviews with Library staff to gain their
impressions of the implementation process. All these data streams combined to
create a longitudinal case study over a period of two years, so that an impression was
gathered of RFID both in its infancy and as it matured.
The study concluded that implementation was an undoubted success: issue targets
were exceeded within three months, staffing costs were reduced ahead of schedule
and enquiries increased. The user survey proved popularity amongst users and staff
interviews provided proof of positivity towards RFID.
It is important that major initiatives are assessed to evaluate success. Having done so,
other libraries could use the success of Loughborough to support their own
arguments for investment. It also makes it more likely that the Pilkington Library
will gain further investment from the University as they can be seen to provide
excellent value for money.
The study's main limitation is that it is based at one library. It would be worth
examining the processes involved at other libraries to establish common themes or to
assess whether the Pilkington Library's experience with RFID is an anomaly.
History
School
- Science
Department
- Information Science
Publisher
© M.CunninghamPublication date
2010Notes
A Master's Dissertation, submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Arts degree of Loughborough UniversityLanguage
- en
Qualification name
- MA
Qualification level
- Masters