Collection Management
The use of barcodes helps to automate the process of tracking all your books, periodicals, music, movies and other lending materials. Barcodes are associated with item records in your Library Management Software and can hold critical information such as item number, call number, copy and volume numbers as well as associated codes used in your library. All this information can be held in one label and any of the information can be changed or updated without the need to re-label your collection.
Patron Management
Barcodes on Patron ID cards allow a librarian to quickly identify and gain crucial information on their patron without having to search a database. The barcode will be linked to the Patron Record that provides information such as items already borrowed, patron category and fees due.
Circulation
Barcodes on lending items can speed the check-out process by allowing library staff to record information without manually entering information in a database. Combined with a barcoded patron id card, the circulation process can be dramatically faster and easier for library staff. The information contained by both barcodes will update library systems and enable due dates to be automatically assigned based upon both the patron category and loan category of each item being borrowed. Upon check-in the item barcode will easily determine shelf location for re-shelving and update the status of the item in the library system.
Shelf Management
Shelf management functions, inventory and weeding are also facilitated by barcodes. Information captured via barcodes and integrated with the library management system informs librarians of item location and checkout history. When working in the stacks a barcode can easily determine if an item is in the wrong location.
Asset Tracking
Barcodes can also be used throughout the library to track non-collection items such as computers, AV equipment, furniture and other assets.
