Re: TECH: Bar Codes

[Barb Engvall <mcbook@nwinfo.net>]

I no longer order just barcodes. If I am making a big book order, then I
get the barcodes along with the other processing, but with the others I
make my own. I use Microsoft Works database, but probably any other
database would work also. I still use 'Follett Classic' barcoding so I
use a 3 of 9 barcode font to create the actual barcode. You need to put
an "*" at the beginning and end of each number. With the database I have
it setup to automatically number in order. In fact I have it so
automated that we only have to press the tab key across and then in an
'empty' field we press the space bar and all of the field are filled
in...I have never had a problem with them reading. I print them out on
Avery address label stock in the laser printer. Also, when a barcode
fails (as some of the very early ones are doing) or is torn off, it is
actually easier to make a new barcode and slap it on, then to give the
book a new barcode number where I have to go into the MARC record and
make changes to the copy.

This year we have also transferred the students to their id number so I
am now creating their barcodes also. (You have to put a "*P" at the
beginning of the number and just the "*" at the end. Actually, I don't
print out individual barcodes as I am elementary and since the students
usually come through as a class I have set it up so that each class
comes out on a single sheet. WHen a student leaves, I just drop the
teacher (which is used to sort the students into class groups) so if the
student ever comes back I just have to give him/her a new teacher. Also,
since the students are using this id number for the lunch system, when
they come in on their own, I just ask them their lunch number and don't
have to look up their name!

"H. Grant" wrote:
>
> I have Unison by Follett.  I need to order more bar codes for my books
> and my textbooks.  I see in many of the vendor catalogs that they also
> sell bar codes.  Is there any reason I couldn't order my bar codes
> through the vendors cheaper than what Follett is selling them for?  Has
> anyone ordered bar codes from the vendors and if so, how are they
> holding up and working?
>
> Thanks,
> H. Grant
> Media Specialist
> hgrant@gatecom.com
> Highland Middle School
> Highland, MI
>
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--
Barb Engvall
Library Media Specialist
John Campbell Elementary School
Selah, WA   98941

Mcbook@nwinfo.net

Check out the Washington Library Media Association web site: http://www.wlma.org
Or the Selah School District web site: http://www.selah.wednet.edu

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