Barcoding Procedures and Workflow

  1. BARCODING TEAMS:

    A. The teams consist of shelf reader, barcoder1, barcoder2, and barcode linker (including supervisor).

    B. Team duties:

    1. SHELF READER reads shelves to clear misfile items and place them in proper location, and assists in handling problem items when all items in a section are properly arranged.
    2. BARCODER1 reads call number and title of each item, pull matching copy for barcode label, and affixes barcode label to copy.
    3. BARCODER2 searches for matching barcode label for each item, and note problems on Barcoding Problem Sheet.
    4. BARCODE LINKER (works at terminal) affixes dumb barcode label to each item with no barcode label and link it to record in database.

    C. The team should be in order with shelf reader - first, barcoder1 - second, and barcoder2 - third with book cart and supplies, with barcode linker at terminal.

    D. The team will be assigned sections and time slots by the head of the barcoding project.

    E. Supplies:

    1. Book carts.
    2. Barcoding Problem Sheets.
    3. Pencils.
    4. Markers (to hold your place on the shelf).
    5. Paper clips.

  2. MATCHING BARCODES TO BOOKS:

    A. Location symbols (ex. NCJC for CMC), call number, author, and title of an item and a barcode label must match exactly; that is, they must be identical and identify with the same location according to location symbol.

    B. If call number is unclear or not on spine (or cover) of item, check book card in item.

  3. PROBLEMS:

    A. Items without barcode labels:

    1. If an item is shelved in the wrong place, pull and relocate to proper location, and continue on to next item.
    2. Write call number and check NO BARCODE LABEL on Barcoding Problem Sheet.
    3. Search on Online Catalog for the existence of a barcode in the matching MARC record.
    4. If no MARC record in system, check Weeding Shelflist file; if no shelflist card in any shelflist file, write "No MARC record and shelflist card" under OTHER on Barcoding Problem Sheet.
    5. If a barcode exists in MARC record, search for barcode label on the sheets.
    6. If there is an existing MARC record and no barcode label, apply dumb (generic) barcode label to item and add barcode to the record.

    B. Barcode labels without matching items:

    1. Keep on sheets.
    2. Check for misfile items.
    3. Check circulation records (item checked out?); if item checked out, hold barcode label on sheet and apply to item upon return (check-in).
    4. If item not found, delete barcode from matching MARC record (reuse labels of deleted barcodes as dumb barcode labels); if only copy, delete MARC record.

    C. Barcode labels with wrong call numbers:

    1. Write call number of item and call number from label under UNMATCH CALL# IN OPAC on Barcoding Problem Sheet.
    2. Search for shelflist card; compare it with the MARC record; change call number in MARC record or on item (whichever is correct).

    D. Duplicate barcode labels:

    1. Keep on sheets.
    2. If an edition or serial, check MARC record to verify edition or serial with barcode.
    3. If found, apply smart-barcode label to matching edition or volume.

    E. Items with special problems:

    1. Write call number of item and briefly state problem under OTHER on Barcoding Problem Sheet.

See the Barcoding Problem Sheet below:

DATE_____________ INITIALS_____

BARCODING PROBLEM SHEET

ROW#_____

CALL# (IF GIVING, INCL. ACCESSION#) NO BARCODE LABEL DUPLICATE BARCODE LABELS UNMATCH CALL# IN OPAC OTHER (INDICATE PROBLEM)
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         

By Floyd Ingram.

10/01/96 Revised

© 1996, Floyd Ingram.