Integrated model approach for RFID implementation process

Abstract

The wide applicability of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has made it a better choice over all other automatic identification systems. Recent advances in this technology has increased its usability in auto detection and data collection of large number of tagged objects such as books in university libraries (i.e., in inventory and library management). However, transiting from the barcode technology to the new RFID technology (i.e., implementation process) has posed several challenges for university libraries. Most studies on RFID implementation in university libraries dwell mainly on adoption issues and its technological benefits, with lesser studies focusing on the socio- technical issues. This paper proposes a methodological approach for investigating RFID implementation from a user, technological and organizational context. It begins by reviewing literature with the aim of identifying the gap and to determine the best approach in investigating RFID implementation in university libraries from all three perspectives. The findings show that limited studies have looked at RFID implementation from these three perspectives and in cases where they were considered, inappropriate models were used. The main outcome of this study is the identification of the various factors influencing RFID implementations process in university libraries. The study concludes by proposing an integrated model approach for RFID implementation process in university libraries.