[OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] Barcoding an Entire Collection From Scratch

[Duimovich, George]

Excellent consideration, but in most cases the RFID option will be still too expensive (at least for the moment). 
 
RFID readers go for $1500 or more and the label costs noted below are pretty significant too. 
 
Also, keep in mind that you may require some changes to whatever circulation software you are using, since presumably you'd want to use more than the security features of RFID (data storage capabilities on RFID, etc.). New RFID labels (I think they're 1 1/2" square) may need to be more hidden too, to prevent them from being removed and apparently aren't supposed to go on the outside of the item I was told by one of the vendors (I think he mentioned magnetic influence ??)
 
But things are getting closer for RFID in libraries... The scanners we're purchasing - LS2208 from Symbol (now Motorola) - were under $175Cdn.  A couple of years ago this kind of scanner would have cost over $600 bucks if I recall correctly. BTW, we also have good success with the Voyager 9540 kit from Metrologic @ $205Cdn.
 
I think if you went with RFID right now you'd be paying too much of an "early bird premium."  This field is still in early growth mode so probably in another year or two we'll see these hybrids (and labels) come down in price quite significantly and then see some libraries find it cost more cost-effective.  
 
George Duimovich 
NRCan Library / Bibliothèque RNCan 
Tel: (613) 996-2101 

 
 
 
 
________________________________

From: open-ils-general-bounces at list.georgialibraries.org [mailto:open-ils-general-bounces at list.georgialibraries.org] On Behalf Of Don Hamilton
Sent: April 27, 2009 1:51 PM
To: Evergreen Discussion Group
Subject: Re: [OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] Barcoding an Entire Collection From Scratch


Hi all. This doesn't answer the question, but...
 
I just want to suggest that you look into purchasing barcode/rfid hybrids, which I'm pretty sure exist. If you are going to the work of sticking something on, then stick an rfid tag with barcode printed on it.
 
There is a LARGE cost difference (1 cent a barcode vs 25 cents a tag was the estimate I saw) but labour will be the biggest cost, and the extra cents per tag goes towards future proofing your collection.
 
Just a suggestion. Haven't been there, nor done that, nor gotten the t-shirt... but it seems sensible.
 
Don
>>> Adam Ray <aray at slcconline.edu> 27-04-2009 1:33 PM >>>

A few more specific questions:

1. Do you print your barcodes or use pre-printed? If you print them yourself, how do you pass the right number on to the printer?

2. What method do you use for assigning the barcode number?

Adam Ray
SLCC IT Director
(314) 837-6777 x1250

----- Original Message -----
From: "Roma Matott" <rmatott at pls-net.org>
To: "Evergreen Discussion Group" <open-ils-general at list.georgialibraries.org>
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 12:21:11 PM GMT -06:00 US/Canada Central
Subject: Re: [OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] Barcoding an Entire Collection From Scratch

Hi Adam -

I have helped a few of our libraries become automated in our current ILS so I have a few logistical tips which might help:

* Decide where on the item you want the barcode to be and be sure to place it in that location on each book.  Nothing is more frustrating than searching for a barcode with patrons waiting to check out.  Our libraries prefer to have the barcode on the outside front cover so that inventorying and check out is easier. 

* We barcoded the popular items first and left the non-circulating and less popular items for after we went live.  Sometimes barcoding an entire collection seems daunting - like it will never end - and this option makes it seem less overwhelming.  And if a patron tried to checkout a non-barcoded item, we were able to circ it on the fly and then fix it when it came back.  

* I would recommend placing the barcode on the item as you are adding it to the system.  We tried a few times to have volunteers take books off the shelves, put barcodes on them and deliver them to a staff member to add, but it was far to easy to mix up those items with those that had been added with those that hadn't.  If you put the barcode on when you add it, you can easily tell its status.

* If you can do it, we found closing the library to barcode worked best.  Trying to barcode while keeping up with the day to day can be challenging - not to mention it takes much longer.  By closing we were able to use library tables & chairs to set up barcoding stations so that more people could work on it.  Then when it is over, have a mini celebration for all who helped :)

* Any items that we could not find a MARC record for, we put aside and let our cataloger handle.  

Hope this help!  Good Luck!

Roma
Pioneer Library System
----- Original Message -----
From: "Adam Ray" <aray at slcconline.edu>
To: "open-ils-general" <open-ils-general at list.georgialibraries.org>
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 12:30:27 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: [OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] Barcoding an Entire Collection From Scratch


Our library currently has no electronic index/tracking and therefore none of our books have been barcoded. For our initial rollout does anyone have any suggestions as to a process we might follow? 

Adam Ray 
SLCC IT Director 
(314) 837-6777 x1250 

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