DCPL RFID Equipment 14 Libraries - Invitation to tender by Dublin City Public Libraries for the supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of a Radio Frequency ID based self-service solution in 14 libraries

Dublin City Council

Dublin City Public Libraries is the largest library authority in the Republic of Ireland, serving over half a million people through a network of 41 branch libraries and service points.
In 2010 DCPL began to introduce a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) based self-service system starting with 3 libraries:
Pembroke; Rathmines; and Raheny, with the customer issuing and returning items from/to the libraries themselves and paying fines (if necessary) on overdue items before being able to issue themselves any further items.
In 2012/13 the systems was expanded to the Central Library, ILAC Centre and Ballyfermot Library.
We now plan to expand self-service to the remaining libraries in our branch network: Ballymun; Cabra; Charleville Mall; Coolock; Dolphin's Barn; Donaghmede; Finglas; Inchicore; Marino; Pearse St.; Phibsboro; Ringsend; Terenure; Walkinstown.
The required self-service solution should be based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) and not EM (Electromagnetic) for the following reasons:
— Ability to handle material without exception or risk of damage to analogue video and audio formats (VHS, tape cassettes);
— Simpler customer interfacing (multiple items read simultaneously, no requirement for barcode scanning);
— High-speed inventory and identification of items which are out of proper order;
— Versatility of RFID tag over barcode (1 RFID tag vs. 1 Barcode plus Security Tag) with implications for cataloguing and processing;
— Flexibility and scope for future development as well as compatibility with the RFID-based system currently operating in Pembroke, Raheny and Rathmines libraries;
— RFID widely recognised and used throughout libraries world-wide as a standard for self-service.

The time limit for receipt of tenders was 2014-02-17. The procurement was published on 2014-01-06.

The following suppliers are mentioned in award decisions or other procurement documents:

• • Interleaf Technology

• • Dublin City Council

• • Computer-related equipment › Library automation equipment
• • Library furniture › Library equipment