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Barcode technology is a powerful tool for modernizing library services. It automates identification, enabling real-time data collection and enhancing efficiency. By integrating barcoding with library management systems, libraries can improve inventory management, streamline resource tracking, and reduce manual errors. This technology allows for the effective organization of library resources, ensures accurate cataloging, and supports better user services. From managing collections to tracking materials, barcode applications transform traditional library operations, making them more cost-effective and user-friendly.
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BAR CODE TECHNOLOGY AND ITS APPLICATION TO LIBRARY SERVICES I R N GOUDAR HEAD, ICAST NATIONAL AEROSPACE LABORATORIES BANGALORE-560017
BAR CODE TECHNOLOGY • It is an automatic identification technology • Bar code is a predefined format of dark bars and white spaces • Structured to contain a specific piece of information • It allows real-time data to be collected accurately and rapidly • Combination of barcode technology with computer and application software improves performance, productivity and profitability
MANUAL METHODS KEYBOARD OPERATION 1 ERROR/300 CHARACTERS AUTOMATIC METHODS OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION MAGNETIC INK MACHINE VISION RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION SMART CARDS BAR CODE DATA ENTRY TECHNIQUES
BENEFITS OF BAR CODING • REPRESENT UNIQUE IDENTITY OF A PRODUCT • ACCURACY OF DATA INPUT (ERROR FREE) • AID EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES AND INVENTORIES • LABOUR SAVINGS BY AVOIDING MANUAL SYSTEM
BENEFITS … • COST EFFICIENT • REAL TIME DATA COLLECTION • MEASUREMENT OF WORK IN PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THE FACTORY • RAPID ACCESS TO TOTAL PRODUCTION COSTS • MORE ACCURATE DESPATCH
BAR CODE TERMINOLOGY • BAR - The darker, non reflective element of a Bar Code • BI-DIRECTIONAL SYMBOL - A Bar Code symbol format which permits reading in either direction across the bars and spaces • CHECK DIGIT - A calculated character included within the Bar Code for error detection • FIXED BEAM SCANNER - A stationary Bar Code Scanner. The symbol must be moved through the light beam to be read
TERMINOLOGY … • HAND-HELD SCANNER • A scanner held and operated by a human operator • INTER-CHARACTER GAP • The space between the bars or spaces • MOVING BEAM SCANNER • A Bar Code scanner that uses a moving light beam to dynamically scan and decode a Bar Code symbol
TERMINOLOGY … • SPACE • The lighter, reflective element of a Bar Code • START CHARACTER • A special pattern of bars and spaces used to identify the beginning of a Bar Code symbol • STOP CHARACTER • A special pattern of bars and spaces used to identify the end of a Bar Code symbol
BAR CODE SCANNERS • A device used to extract information optically from a Bar Code • Bar Code symbol consists of series of vertical dark bars separated by light spaces • When illuminated reflected light is detected by electro optical sensor • The intensity of reflected light from the dark bars is less than that of spaces
SCANNERS … • Reflected light is converted into electrical voltage signals • Analog voltages are digitized into raw data • The decoder converts this data into the character data representation of the symbol’s code
TYPES OF SCANNERS (READERS) • CONTACT READERS • Must touch or come in close proximity of symbol • Good where the label cannot be placed in an easy-to-view position • Normally hand-held/stationary units • Common type is pen/wand reader • A high-density resolution wand used to read a low-density symbol might see an ink spot as bar or an ink void as a space
CONTACT READERS … • A low-resolution wand may not be able to recognise a narrow bar of high-density symbol • Positioned angle of wand to the surface and movement speed across the symbol are key parameters
NON-CONTACT READERS • Reader need not come in contact with symbol • Scan distance may be from 6” to several feet depending upon symbol size and scanner design • Hand-held, fixed beam readers
BAR CODE APPLICATIONS • INVENTORY CONTROL • Portable readers • WORK-IN PROCESS TRACKING (WIP) COMPANY INVENTORY • Raw materials • WIP (Components, Assemblies, Semi finished Products) • Finished Products
APPLICATIONS … • SHIPPING • ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI) • Direct communication between computers of two companies (Manufacturer & Vendor) • Industry-wide EDI standards • Reduces cost and saves time of business transaction
APPLICATIONS … • RETAIL APPLICATIONS • Super markets • Counter-mounted Bar Code scanners • Universal Product Code (UPC) • Price and description information • WARE HOUSING • HEALTH CARE APPLICATIONS • Drugs, devices, instruments • Identification of expiry date • Blood banking • Blood group • Expiry date • Donor traceability
BAR CODING IN LIBRARIES • EFFECTIVE LIBRARY NEEDS EACH DOCUMENT BAR CODED • TWO LABELS PREFERABLY • LABEL TO CONTAIN • Accession number equivalent Bar Code • Call number • Institution logo advantageous • ISBN BAR CODE COULD BE USED
BARCODING IN LIBRARIES … • DATABASE PROGRAM LINKS THE BAR CODE TO BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS OF DOCUMENTS • AUTHORISED ID CARD INCLUDES BAR CODE • Card could be used by library • Institutional ID card • Social security number • BAR CODE READER INTERFACED TO COMPUTER • TRACKING OF BOOKS
INCORPORATING BAR CODE IN LIBRARIES • THE TYPICAL SEQUENCE WOULD BE • Database creation (OPAC) • Generate Bar Code for all transact able documents • Bar Code membership cards • Installation of suitable scanning equipment • Set different criteria for transactions
ADVANTAGES OF BAR CODE IN LIBRARIES • Quick and error free entry of access and membership codes • Ensures total integrity of collected data • No queuing up at check out/check in counters • Avoids piling up of data entry work for counter staff • Aids generation of suitable reminders to delinquent borrowers • Stock verification made easy