Labels
Symbology Standards
Barcode Labels
Chack Digit
Label Options
Construction
Label Printing
Imaging
Label Placement

AUTOMATED DATA CAPTURE:
There are three elements to a bar code reading system: the symbol to be scanned (bar code label), a data capture device (the scanner), and a decoding device to interpret the symbol (a data terminal).

LABELS:
Automated library systems require labels which have durable bar codes capable of a minimum of hundreds or thousands of scans; have a high first read rate; adhere to a variety of materials; and have archival characteristics to last for at least 10 years. The label contains a bar code, a human readable number, and an alpha field containing the name of the library or institution. The label serves three purposes. First, it identifies the book as library property. Second, it provides a unique number for that specific book. Third, it provides a means for automatic data collection via the bar code.

SYMBOLOGY STANDARDS:
Like many industries, libraries utilize primary bar code symbologies in automated systems. The most common symbology utilized is Codabar followed by Code 39. Code 39 is not as dense a symbology as Codabar and therefore requires more space to contain a bar code with the same number of digits.

BAR CODE LABELS:
Most automated library systems utilize a 14-digit bar code. The code includes 13 digits plus a check digit: This format allows materials to be transferred between libraries and/or branches. It has high value for multiple site libraries within large municipalities and/or universities. This 14-digit number includes the following fields:

• Digit # 1 (Least significant digit position - far right): Check Digit.
  
  
• Digit # 2-9: Unique consecutive number to track the specific patron or item.
  
  
• Digit # 10-13: Four-digit institution identifier.
  
  
• Digit # 14: (Most significant digit position - far left): Asset identifier. This digit is used to identify the material as either a patron (#2) or item (#3) label.

CHECK DIGIT:
A check digit (a.k.a. mod number) is a digit appended to (included in) the data field in the bar code or human readable number. The actual number the check digit is based upon is a chosen formula mathematically applied to the characters in the data field. Based upon the formula chosen and the characters in the data field, there is only one correct check digit. When a bar code is scanned, the check digit is calculated and compared to the characters in the data field. If there is an error in scanning the data field, the digits in the data field can be verified from the check digit. Check digits are also valuable in human readable numbers. If the digits in a human readable number were transposed, a check digit would identify this. We have all standard modulus number formats and can provide custom formats.

LABEL OPTIONS:
There are a number of standard label options used by most library systems. They include single, double, and two part labels, as well as OCR-A labels.

• single labels:
  Singles have a bar code, human readable number, and library name.
  
  
• douple labels:
  Doubles are a set of two identical singles. Doubles are a means of avoiding the need to pull items off the shelf to create your item database. Instead, each time you bar code an item, you also bar code the shell list card. You can also utilize double labels to apply one to the cover and one to the inside of a book, the later acting as a backup label. On occasion double labels may be used for patron cards and patron files.
  
  
• two part labels:
  Two part labels have a standard single label and a smaller label having a human readable number. For publications, the single label portion is applied to the publication and the smaller numbered label is applied to the shelf list card. For patrons, the single label portion is applied to the patron card and the smaller number label is applied to the patron file.
  
  
• smart labels:
  A smart label contains the specific information about the publication to which it is affixed as well as a bar code and Arabic number. It is unique to that publication and therefore could not be used for any other. This information can include the title, author, call number, and possibly publication. These labels are custom printed based upon the data file supplied by the library.
  
  
• dumb labels:
  A dumb label has three typical features: a bar code, a human readable number, and the library name. The numbers are from a generic consecutive series and not specific to the publication. They are used to identify either items or patrons.
  
  
• piggyback labels:
  This is a double-liner label construction that allows the label to be applied to one surface and later removed and applied to another surface.
  
  
• Other labels available include OCR labels, security (tamper evident) labels, spine labels, label shields, and capital asset labels.

CONSTRUCTION:
Library labels can be supplied in rolls, sheets, or fanfold construction, on single or piggyback liners. Over-lamenting is common, particularly if a contact scanner is used.

• materials:
  There are many material characteristics favorable for all library applications. They include bright white stock for high contrast ratio with the bar code, acid free adhesives and substrates to prevent damage or stain to the publication, and durability. There are additional material issues to consider based upon where or to what the label is affixed as well as the potential deterioration of the label in the position applied.
  
  A typical label would include a polypropylene over-lamination on a polypropylene substrate with one mil of an acid free permanent adhesive.
  
• over-laminates:
  Over-laminates are available in clear or matte finish. Laminate material is usually polypropylene, but is upgradeable to polyester.
  
  label facestock:
  Substrate options include paper, vinyl, polypropylene, and polyester. Archival characteristics are typically requested.
  
  
• adhesives:
  Permanent, acrylic, acid free adhesive. Different types of adhesive are available depending upon where the label is placed (cover, plastic book jacket, fly-sheet, patron ID card). Adhesive coat weight can be increased based upon application requirements. Heavy adhesive weight is recommended for placement on the cover of books or patron ID cards.
  
  
• sizes:
  At a minimum, size is dependent upon the amount of space required to print the bar code. Standard sizes for a 14 digit bar code range from 2" x .625" to 2" x 1". Double labels are slightly deeper. Many other sizes are available.

LABEL PRINTING:
Text, numbers, and bar codes can be imaged in black or color. The use of color can increase productivity. Branch libraries can be designated by color codes. Patron and item labels can be color-coded differently. In the human readable number, the consecutive number part may be color coded to easily identify it for patrons calling to renew books. In libraries with self-scanning check out systems, color-coded bar codes help patrons distinguish them from the preprinted UPC bar code. Color-coded labels easily identify special collections as well as those with special checkout policies. Color-coded spine labels assist in re-shelving books and/or identifying mis-shelved books.

IMAGING:
There are a number of technologies available to print bar codes on library labels. They include photocomposition, laser, ion deposition, and thermal transfer. While any of these technologies are capable of manufacturing bar code labels, each has a particular value depending on the needs of the user.

LABEL PLACEMENT:
What is the best location to apply labels? One key is choosing a location easy to scan. Typically this is the upper left corner of the cover, or inside on the flyleaf or near the book pocket. Different locations result in different levels of wear on the bar code. Over-laminating adds considerable durability and the greatest flexibility as to location. The cover is the easiest and most secure location to place the label.

©Pointil Systems 12807 NE Airport Way Portland, OR 97230 503.257.5097