LM_NET: Library Media Networking

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When I was investigating security systems for our high school library,
the key question was "What do we want a library system to do?" and our
answers included:
- protect resources from theft
- discourage/deter potential theft
- be as difficult as possible for borrowers to outwit
- pose minimal inconvenience to users and library staff
- pose minimal health risk to library staff and users
- require minimal increase in library workload (ie. consume minimal
time)
- provide an effective long-term investment
- operate efficiently with existing library systems

Our recommendation was therefore an electromagnetic system rather than a
radio frequency system because:
- the tags are much smaller, hidden and harder to remove
- the tags are usable on most resources
- the demagnetising/remagnetising operation
        - enables full circulation (not the time-consuming bypass system)
        - enables free movement in and around the library
        - does not require purchase of a turnstile
        - is the most mysterious to borrowers, and is not controllable by them
(requires a machine, not just a shield)
        - with beam-activated system, the power consumption and emission levels
are low

Hope this advances your cause!(And we've been very hospitable to your
president, too)
Ruth Buchanan
Teacher Librarian
Jamison High School
South Penrith, NSW 2773
AUSTRALIA
email: d8559hn1@ozemail.com.au


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