Affiliations: [a] Assistant Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi, Delhi–110007, India. Email: madhumargam@gmail.com | [b] Research Scholar, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi, Delhi–110007, India. Email: parulgupta.du@gmail.com
Abstract: The paper attempts to investigate the usage behaviour and the related progress of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology as inferred from the opinion of the students from two libraries of academic institutions in New Delhi, viz., Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) and Indian Law Institute (ILI). It also evaluates users' ability, knowledge, reasons for effective use, as well as problems faced while using the technology vis-à-vis its impact on the academic environment. Despite being related to two different academic backgrounds and needs, majority of the findings of the different aspects of RFID technology conjure up a similar pattern. The results clearly suggest that majority of respondents are familiar with the RFID components in the libraries under study and have a positive impact on the satisfaction of the users. The major benefits are—fast circulation transactions, multiple documents' self check-in/self check-out, user privacy, reliability, wherein reservation of books is the topmost service. The opinion of respondents clearly indicates that out of seven items, five were rated as good, and the book drop-box facility was rated as excellent. On the other hand, the study also proved that the majority of respondents were not using smart cards. One of the common problems cited was lack of information. Several literary programmes are conducted in libraries. However, the old computers take time for processing. The self-check in and self-check out stations were rated as fair because they were easy to use. The findings from this study suggest that factors such as system quality, use, and user satisfaction positively influence consumer attitudes towards RFID-enabled services. Therefore, this article aims to understand factors affecting the use of RFID systems and the related user satisfaction in a library. The findings of the study will certainly help the library to properly handle the RFID system for effective use by their students.
Keywords: RFID technology, User satisfaction, Libraries
