Barcode Placement

Here's the official word, and their rationale. It's ugly, but it's a done deal - we might as well start now. Thanks!

MASSACHUSETTS STATEWIDE DELIVERY COMMITTEE

Barcode Label Placement Policy (1/30/09)

Introduction

A study of Massachusetts library delivery service was conducted by a national consulting team of the Galicia Group and the Quipo Group, in 2007-2008. The resulting 50+ page report, federally funded with LSTA funding through the MA Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), identified a wide range of improvements to be implemented. In October 2008, the MBLC convened a discussion group of stakeholders to identify short and long-term recommendations for action.

Why standardize barcode placement? Why now?

In order to maintain services and limit costs, a statewide working group will explore automated delivery sorting solutions.

Those solutions are still a few years away, but require equipment to scan the barcodes of materials in delivery. Placing the barcodes in a uniform location will expedite the process. Standardization offers additional benefits for libraries and delivery systems including:

• Increases efficiency of circulation operation
• Eases locating barcodes on material coming into your library from another
• Eliminates accidental scanning of UPCs and ISBNs located on the back of materials
• Speeds automated inventories
• Prepares libraries for self-check of library materials by patrons enabling them to easily locate the item barcode
• Requiring libraries' cooperation in uniform label placement is the first action in the projected automation of library material sorting.

Policy

To prepare for an eventual delivery solution, the Regional Library Systems will require that all libraries place barcode circulation labels on the front of all new materials, in the upper left corner, parallel to the top of the item.

Libraries are asked to begin labeling new materials in this location beginning Monday, March 30, 2009.

Libraries are NOT asked to change barcode locations retrospectively.

It is understood that that this standard will require re-training for some library staff, especially when it comes to audiovisual materials. The Regional delivery system will be unable to guarantee delivery of materials for non-standard libraries when automation is underway. We appreciate your cooperation as we all work together to provide the most efficient and effective delivery service for library patrons.