[Koha] Barcode quandry

[BWS Johnson]

Salve!

library or library branch have a unique series of barcodes. If you are
using an alphanumeric symbology such as Code 39 (also called Code 3 of
9) you can use the library or branch holding symbol as the prefix to the
code. e.g. Sembeq, a small French Baptist Seminary has a holding symbol
assigned by the National Libray of Canada of QMSB, and their barcodes
start at QMSB00001. Patron Barcodes contain the student ID code that has
letters from their last name and first initial followed by up to 4
digits.

This is interesting. Theoretically if Koha can handle an alphanumeric
barcode, there isn't necessarily any problem. What I mean is that
instead of retrospectively reapplying a jillion barcodes, you can simply
assign the branches an A and B prefix. It doesn't take very long to type
and as you said, the computer fix is very simple indeed. That is even if
the hard copy on the book barcode read

1234 at branch A
and 
1234 at branch B

You could make the computer hold
A1234
and
B1234

and upon circulation, either type or have a check digit added to reflect
the branch status. When books were swapped between branches, you would
have to remember that. With the natural course of new acquisitions,
which would have the proper barcode in hard copy on them, and weeding,
where old books which did not would be discarded, it would eventually
roll over. I do agree that the preferred method would certainly be to
reapply proper barcodes, but this could be a quick fix if Koha will
recognise alphanumerics.

Cheers,
Brooke @ Hinsdale MA 
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