Abstract: Multi-memory electronic identification tags (200) are utilized in short-range cooperative electronic identification systems comprised of readers (100) and tags (200) wherein a reader (100) may communicate with the tag (200) if the tag belongs to a certain class of tags. Communication is accomplished by a reader (100) establishing a reversing magnetic field (10) in the vicinity of a tag (200) and the (200) varying its absorption of power from the field (10) in accordance with the information to be transmitted. A first type of memory (258) is permanent and unalterable and used for storing data that is unique to the tag (200) and never needs to be changed. A second type of memory (252) is permanent but alterable and used for storing data that characterizes the object to which the tag (200) is attached. A third type of memory (259) is for the temporary storage of data produced by tag sensors (270,275).