In May 2012, the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) began identifying its books, DVDs, CDs and all other materials using Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) tags. Instead of reading the visible barcodes one at a time, RFID tags use low-level radio waves to allow special readers to scan multiple items at once.

RFID & Privacy:

Does my library card use RFID?

No. Your library card is not RFID-enabled. OPL will continue to use card barcodes to access customer account information at service desks, self-service kiosks or when using online catalogue or other access points.

What information does the Library keep on RFID tags?

The only information that’s stored on the OPL’s RFID tags is the item’s identification number (matching the barcode on the back). OPL may also add some details to identify an item that’s special in some way (such as DVDs with multiple discs, or reference books that can’t be borrowed).

Is any personally identifiable information stored on the RFID tags?

No. The Library never stores customer barcode numbers or any other personal information on the RFID tags.

Can non-Library employees find out what books I’m borrowing by scanning my bag or my purse?

No. OPL uses passive RFID tags. “Passive” means they don’t generate a signal on their own and are only active in the presence of a reader such as an OPL Self-Service kiosk. The RFID tag doesn’t store the title, author or any other information that could tell someone what books you’re carrying.

Can someone track my movements using the Library’s RFID tags?

No. The read range of OPL’s tags is only about 20-30 cm and can’t be detected outside of that area.

Can the Library use RFID tags to find people who don’t return their books on time?

No. As stated above, the read range of the RFID tags is only about 30 cm. There’s no way to tell what people have in their offices, houses or cars.

*For further details regarding OPL’s Privacy Statement and Policies please click here.

RFID & Health:

Are there any health risks associated with being around RFID equipment?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and many other organizations have conducted extensive research on the potential health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields. They’ve concluded that there’s no evidence of any adverse effects to general health.

Will the Library’s RFID equipment interfere with my pacemaker or other medical devices?

According to the WHOthere is no record of interference with medical devices such as pacemakers, though consumers should continue to inform themselves about possible interactions with any source of electromagnetic fields.

Can I still come to the Library if I’m pregnant or nursing?

Of course! At the frequency used by the Library’s RFID systems (13.56 MHz), there is no evidence of adverse effects to general health or pregnancy.

If I take books home from the Library, will I be exposed to electromagnetic waves?

Not at all. The RFID tags used by the Library are passive. They only transmit radio waves when they’re within about 30 cm of the Library’s RFID readers. The rest of the time they sit dormant and don’t transmit anything at all.

For further information regarding WHO’s research on electromagnetic fields