[Michlib-l] Library Unique 4-Digit Identifier

[Helen Dewey]

 From ALA:


  Bar Codes in Libraries

*Question: *Is there a standard library barcode identification system?

*Answer*: The short answer is "no".  There are many barcode 
<http://wikis.ala.org/professionaltips/index.php/Bar_Codes> registries, 
including one called the "National Barcode Registry". However, this 
registry only contains a fraction of all library barcodes in the United 
States and Canada, mostly those libraries that formerly used a system 
called GEAC, which is now maintained by Infor. You can still obtain a 
new, unique prefix assignment from this company, but you need to call 
them, as the service is not available online.

There are several types of barcodes 
<http://www.makebarcode.com/specs/speclist.html> in use in libraries, as 
well as RFID <http://wikis.ala.org/professionaltips/index.php/RFID>. In 
most libraries, the first digit of the barcode indicates whether the 
code is for a patron or an item.  The next4 digits are the library 
identifier.  Since there are only 9,999 variations to this 4 digit ID, 
and there are many more libraries than that in the US alone, there is 
bound to be some overlap of these codes.


Helen
Benzonia Public Library



On 1/17/2017 10:25 AM, Steven Bowers wrote:
>
> Thanks for confirming.  I will try to track down a new number, if one 
> still exists!  I'll let everyone know.
>
>
> -Steve
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org <michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org> on 
> behalf of LLC Sheryl Vanderwagon <sheryl at llcoop.org>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, January 17, 2017 10:23 AM
> *To:* michlib-l at mcls.org
> *Subject:* Re: [Michlib-l] Library Unique 4-Digit Identifier
>
> Hi Everyone – since we are doing the same thing here in Lakeland with 
> a new member library. I called the 1-800 listed on the DALNET 
> website.  I got a library helpdesk located in Toronto, Canada and they 
> are not a “national barcode registry”.  She had already received one 
> phone call this morning, I was her second.  I told her I would post to 
> this listserv and let you know that that number has an error or no 
> longer exists and has been assigned elsewhere.
>
> Thanks everyone.
>
> Sheryl VanderWagen
>
> ILS Manager
>
> Lakeland Library Cooperative
>
> 4138 3 Mile Rd NW
>
> Grand Rapids MI 49534-1134
>
> (616)559-5253 x210 (Phone) 616-559-4329 (Fax)
>
> (616)559-9111 (Lakeland Help Line)
>
> sheryl at llcoop.org
>
> *From:*michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org] 
> *On Behalf Of *Steven Bowers
> *Sent:* Tuesday, January 17, 2017 8:41 AM
> *To:* T.A. Cutler Memorial Library; michlib-l at mcls.org
> *Subject:* Re: [Michlib-l] Library Unique 4-Digit Identifier
>
> Did the sponsoring company tell you there is no longer a national 
> registry?  I hope there still is.  Here is the information we last had 
> for contact:
>
> https://dalnetconsortium.wordpress.com/2008/02/01/national-barcode-registry/
>
> Please let me know if they wont do it anymore.
>
> -Steve
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> *From:*michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org <mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org> 
> <michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org <mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org>> on 
> behalf of T.A. Cutler Memorial Library <CutlerLibrary at live.com 
> <mailto:CutlerLibrary at live.com>>
> *Sent:* Monday, January 16, 2017 3:07 PM
> *To:* michlib-l at mcls.org <mailto:michlib-l at mcls.org>
> *Subject:* [Michlib-l] Library Unique 4-Digit Identifier
>
> Hello,
>
> We are planning to migrate from a 5- to 7-digit alpha-numeric barcode 
> for patron accounts and item records to the standard 14-digit numeric 
> barcode.
>
> I'm hoping to find a unique (or relatively unique) 4-digit identifier. 
> Since I've been told there isn't a national registry for this anymore, 
> I thought I'd just check with all of you on the listserv whether your 
> library uses any of the following three combinations as your library's 
> code:
>
> 5141
>
> 2077
>
> 4380
>
> If you use one of those four (or know a library that does), please let 
> me know. Please reply off-list to cutlerlibrary at live.com 
> <mailto:cutlerlibrary at live.com> ��
>
> Also, if you have a supplier you love for barcodes/library cards, 
> could you please share that information.
>
> Lastly, do you use a check-digit in your barcode and if so, which 
> symbology do you use?
>
> Thank you very much!
>
> Jessica Little
>
> Library Director
>
> T.A. Cutler Memorial Library
> 312 Michigan Ave.
> Saint Louis, Michigan  48880
>
> (989) 681-5141
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Michlib-l mailing list
> Michlib-l at mcls.org
> http://mail2.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l

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