Ypsilanti joins the Canton Public Library in Canton, Michigan, the University of Pennsylvania Annenberg Library, Rockefeller University Library in New York, The Farmington Community Library in Farmington Hills Michigan and many others who have installed Checkpoint's RFID technology. After installing the ILS system, these libraries have realized significant operational improvements by reducing materials handling time by as much as 75%.

"I became very excited about the ILS after hearing from other librarians who were already using the system about the profound changes it had made in their facilities, not only for the library staff but for the patrons as well," said Jill Morey, Library Director of Ypsilanti Library. "We wanted our new main branch, which will open in December, to be a state-of-the-art facility and installing the ILS will play a critical part in realizing that goal. In addition to the security and inventory management features of the system, the self check-in and check-out component empowers patrons to be more independent while enabling us to be more attentive to their needs, an area where our expertise really counts."

Checkpoint's ILS, built on leading-edge RFID technology, is based on the Company's vast experience in library loss prevention and RF technology. The ILS will provide Ypsilanti's patrons with self-check-out and check-in, inventory control, circulation management, and loss-prevention, all integrated into a seamless system. The ILS can eliminate the labor of manual material checkout and return processes, while controlling losses through advanced electronic article surveillance technology.

The ILS employs a single technology supporting both material handling and security applications, and is based on technology developed by Checkpoint. It functions via a unique RFID circulation circuit(TM) embedded inside the collections. This circuit operates within its own local network (LAN) of RFID readers placed at appropriate locations throughout the library, including the library entry/exit where it functions as a security alert, triggering an alarm when books are removed from the library without permission. The ILS system processes up to 30 books a second and is the fastest system available for libraries.

"Checkpoint's Intelligent Library System is changing the way librarians run their facilities and making the environment more convenient and pleasurable for library patrons," said Emmett Erwin, Director, Library Division at Checkpoint Systems. "Checkpoint is a leader in RFID technology and to date has installed 29 systems and has tagged more than three million books with Checkpoint's revolutionary Circulation Circuits(TM) in libraries across the US and Canada."

Checkpoint Systems, Inc., a $700 million multinational company, is a pioneer in the development of RFID technology for libraries and other industries, and is the world's leading provider of digital radio frequency electronic article surveillance (RF EAS) systems. The company also markets laser and thermal printers and CCTV systems designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs and provide value-added solutions for customers across many markets and industries. Checkpoint Systems, Inc.'s web site is located at www.checkpointsystems.com. For more information on RFID libraries, contact eerwin@checkpt.com.