The Cost-benefit Study Of RFID Application In University Libraries

RFID is the abbreviation of Radio Frequency Identification, which is akind of technology automatically identifying target objects and capturingrelevant information through radio-frequency signal. Compared withtraditional bar code scanning technology, RFID is convenient, rapid, andlow in error rate, which can save labor costs. University libraries can makebusiness flows, such as reader service and book management, be moreintelligent and efficient with the application of RFID, so as to enhancemanagement of library resources and readers’ service level and to realizeintelligence and humanization of library management. In recent years, itsdevelopment is much rapider. However, during promotion of libraryapplication, RFID is restricted by some problems, such as excessive costand non-unified standards. In particular, there are not effective methods tobalance the relationship between input cost and achieved anticipated benefitduring RFID application.RFID application in university libraries is a long-term system project.From the cost-benefit study of RFID application in university libraries, wecan provide scientific decision-making basis for managers before projectimplementation. After applying RFID, libraries shall evaluate cost andbenefit of the investment, modifying and adjusting shortcomings andfollow-up development strategies, so that expenditures can be utilized fullyand reasonably and sustainable development can be guaranteed. Seen fromdomestic and overseas researches on cost-benefit studies of RFID, RFIDapplication has gained good earnings in overseas libraries. However, thereare few relevant research literatures and they are discussed from qualitativeperspective. In addition, researches in China are not deep enough, most of which are conceptual introductions, with fuzzy indicator design. They don’tconsider benefits generated during library application completely, without aset of systematic and complete cost-benefit indicator system, correspondingand effective evaluation methods, or empirical researches and case analysisto support corresponding theoretical bases. Therefore, cost-benefit of RFIDapplication in university libraries shall be researched systematically, to putforward analysis model and calculating methods applying to differentscenes and to guide rational utilization of RFID in university libraries.On the basis of extensive reference, analysis, and research of relateddocument literatures, the paper conducted reasonable classification on costand benefit indicator system through empirical research, with thecombination of actual conditions for the RFID application in universitylibraries. Basic/Advanced application cost-benefit analysis model (B/Acost-benefit analysis model for short) was built according to differentapplication patterns of RFID in university libraries. Different stagescost-benefit analysis model were built in line with different stages forRFID application in university libraries. Check rationality of cost-benefitindicators in analysis models with the use of expert consultation andinterview, questionnaire inquiry, and field observation and investigation.Aiming at two different analysis models, the methods for calculating costand benefit are raised. In order to check and to analyze models’effectiveness, university libraries with applying RFID system were chosenas actual research cases to conduct cost-benefit analysis. Pointedsuggestions were given in accordance with research results, so thatfeasibility for analysis models and research viewpoints built in the paperwere verified.