ISO 28560-1:2023

Overview

ISO 28560-1:2023 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that defines the framework for using radio frequency identification (RFID) in libraries. Specifically, it addresses the data elements and general implementation guidelines needed to ensure effective, interoperable RFID applications across all types of libraries, including national, academic, public, corporate, special, and school libraries.

RFID technology in libraries enables improved tracking, management, and circulation of library items. The standard provides a data model compatible with various hardware and software, supporting a broad range of library activities such as acquisitions, lending, interlibrary loans, and inventory control. It also covers essential aspects like item security, data privacy, migration between legacy systems, and label design.

By adopting ISO 28560-1:2023, libraries and their suppliers are able to ensure consistent, interoperable, and future-proof RFID implementations that meet evolving industry needs.

Key Topics

• Data Elements for Library Items: The standard specifies required and optional data elements to encode on RFID tags, such as primary item identifiers, owner institution information, shelf locations, supplier codes, interlibrary loan data, and more.

• Interoperability: Ensures that libraries exchanging items can seamlessly communicate using RFID, regardless of RFID hardware, software, or supplier, by following standard data elements and encoding rules.

• Implementation Guidelines: Offers practical advice on implementing RFID, including data security tools, privacy considerations, and migration strategies for updating from older RFID systems.

• Profiles and Customization: Supports regional and business profiles, allowing libraries to customize data element sets to meet local or institutional needs without sacrificing interoperability.

• Item Security and Privacy: Provides recommendations for label design and location, and outlines data elements related to security, such as electronic article surveillance (EAS), application family identifier (AFI), and data storage format identifier (DSFID), along with privacy guidelines.

Applications

Implementing ISO 28560-1:2023 in library environments delivers a wide range of operational and strategic benefits:

• Streamlined Circulation and Returns: Automates the check-in and check-out process, reducing manual handling and improving user service efficiency.

• Inventory and Stock Management: Facilitates rapid stock checks and inventory control by enabling bulk scanning and real-time database updates.

• Interlibrary Loan Support: Standardizes item data to make lending and borrowing items between libraries frictionless, helping resource sharing networks.

• Efficient Acquisitions and Supply Chain: Improves tracking and management of library acquisitions and supplier interactions through standardized identifiers and order numbers.

• Enhanced Security: Integrates item security features at the tag level, aiding in theft prevention and better management of library assets.

• Vendor Neutrality: Provides libraries with the freedom to procure RFID tags, readers, and software from various suppliers by adhering to a common data standard.

Related Standards

ISO 28560-1:2023 is part of a series of standards addressing RFID in libraries. The following related standards are crucial for full implementation and interoperability:

• ISO 28560-2: Defines rules for encoding RFID data elements based on ISO/IEC 15962.
• ISO 28560-3: Specifies fixed length encoding for RFID in libraries.
• ISO 15511: International standard identifier for libraries and related organizations (ISIL).
• ISO/IEC 15961-3: Information technology - RFID for item management - Part 3: RFID data constructs.

Implementing ISO 28560-1:2023 in conjunction with these related standards ensures complete, interoperable, and future-ready RFID solutions in the library sector.

Conclusion

ISO 28560-1:2023 is an essential standard for libraries planning to adopt or update RFID-based systems. It enhances interoperability, security, and efficiency across the industry, positioning libraries for sustainable, scalable resource management and improved service delivery through standardized RFID data practices.