RFID reader discipline

A method for coordinating reader transmissions according to one embodiment includes, at a first reader, receiving from a second reader a request to transmit to a radio frequency identification tag; and if the first reader is transmitting, sending a denial of the request from the first reader to the second reader. A method for coordinating reader transmissions according to another embodiment includes from a first reader, sending to a plurality of readers a request to transmit to a radio frequency identification tag; waiting for responses from the plurality of readers; if a denial of the request is received by the first reader from any of the readers, not transmitting to the radio frequency identification tag; and if no denial of the request is received by the first reader from any of the readers, transmitting to the radio frequency identification tag. Additional systems, methods and computer program products are presented.