My local public libraries are switching to RFID tags for check-in/check-out. I'd like to get a RFID reader to read these tags myself, but I don't know what I need.
The stickers they put in books don't have any markings, but the ones on CDs say StingRay on them, and appear to be the 3M StingRay Full Disc RFID Tag. I assume that the stickers in books are the same electronically, just a different form factor. I think this is a 13.56MHz system, but I'm not sure.
What kind of reader do I need for these tags? (Bonus question: What kind of data is stored on these tags? Just a serial number, or is there more?)
Best Answer
Library systems with RFID are usually built around ISO15693 standard. Desktop readers for this standard are relatively cheap (100$). Some libraries prefer to use UID of the tag for identification and some prefer to encode an internal unique ID in the tag (that is usually binded to the UID of the tag). In both cases by buying a reader you won't get any spectacular results just an ID which you can usually find inscribed on the book. For data stored on the tag, that depends on the library. A few years ago there where a few standards for encoding (like the French encoding, the Danish, etc.) Last year I believe ISO28560 was approved but I do not know which libraries adopted it. For information stored you can have this or a combination of this: Unique ID EAS or AFI (security) CollectionID HandlingCode: can't be borrowed, special care, rare book, etc. ISO15693 has usually 1024 bytes of user memory so any other information could be stored. If you need a recommendation for the reader check IdTronic desktop readers.