scope:

Introduction

The intent of this section is to outline a data model that should satisfy the needs of libraries in the U.S. The main goal of the model is to provide interoperability for libraries so investments in RFID can be made with confidence that they will be able to read tags on items from many other libraries, and so that they will have choices in purchasing RFID equipment and tags in the future.

The goal of interoperability is achieved by following standards and by making sure that the data on the tag is in a standardized format and is used consistently. The specifications contained in the NISO data model provide flexibility for some feature differentiation among the vendors by allowing for optional data, and by not specifying controls on how the data can be used. It also provides a minimum set of the data objects that must be provided to perform the most basic of library functions using RFID equipment. The ultimate intention is that RFID tags programmed by one vendor in compliance with the data model will be usable by another RFID vendor without any reprogramming.

There are several data models in use in different parts of the world, including those created by groups in the Netherlands, Denmark, United Kingdom, Finland, France, and Australia. A few countries in Europe have adopted the Danish model (see http://www.en.ds.dk/3196), in some cases with important variations. Some individual libraries in the U.S. have also adopted the Danish model.

The following sub-sections discuss the choice of ISO 28560-2; the remainder of section 2describes the implementation of ISO 28560-2 for use with RFID in libraries in the United States.