[Koha] barcode label questions

[Agnes Rivers-Moore]

Hello Laurie

These questions probably stem from the library convention of formatting 
barcodes as described below. These desgnations are not needed in Koha, 
where a barcode is just a number with no special significance.
However, if you have been printing your own barcodes the best thing 
would be to order barcodes with the same type and pattern as those you 
are already using.
If in doubt, send a sample (clear photocopy) to the supplier and ask 
them to help you. Brodart staff will have lots of experience.

<snipped from 
http://www.barcodediscount.com/solutions/library-labeling.htm>
In library applications, CODABAR generally consists of a string of 14 
digits:

* The first digit represents a patron or item. For example, a first 
digit of '2' tells the Library Management System software that a
patron number is being scanned; the number '3' signifies that an item is 
being scanned.
* The next four digits (digits 2 through 5) are the institutional 
identifier. For example, the library might use the last four
digits of its telephone number or the last four digits in its extended 
nine-digit ZIP code.
* The next eight digits (digits 6 through 13) define the sequence ID 
number. Most smart barcode sequences begin with the number 1 (i.e., 
00000001).
* The final digit (digit 14) is a check digit used to verify that the 
barcode number has been scanned accurately.

An eye-readable form of the item number is usually printed beneath the 
scannable number. To improve human readability, spaces are inserted 
between digits 1 and 2, 5 and 6, and 10 and 11.

CODE 39 may contain fewer than 14 characters. For example, in a ten 
digit number:

* The first digit indicates whether the code represents a patron or an item
* The next 2 digits define the institutional identifier
* The last 7 digits identify the applicable code.

While in theory Code 39 applications do not require a check digit, in 
practice many do add a check digit. Alpha characters can be used with 
Code 39 but they should be avoided if possible. Both Codabar and Code 39 
permit bi-directional scanning.

HTH
Agnes

Laurie Henry wrote:
>
> I’ve decided to order barcode labels for our items rather than print 
> them out ourselves. The Brodart form asks some questions I’m not sure 
> how to answer.
>
> Should we use a specific code (such as 2 or 3 or P or T) to identify a 
> Patron or Item bar code?
>
> Does our circulation software use an “Assigned Library Number” unique 
> to our library?
>
> Is a “Check Digit” required for our circulation software? If yes, what 
> modulus are check digit (if known)?
>
> I’d appreciate any guidance/feedback on this. My impulse is to answer 
> “No” to everything, but my impulses have been wrong before.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Laurie Henry, MFA, MSLS
>
> Regional Librarian
>
> Southwestern College
>
> Ohio & Northern Kentucky
>
>
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-- 

Agnes Rivers-Moore
Assistant Librarian
Hanover Public Library