Configuration and Policies > FAQs for System Configuration > FAQs: Understanding Barcode Specifications

FAQs: Understanding Barcode Specifications

What types of barcodes can I use with the SirsiDynix Symphony system?

Although the SirsiDynix Symphony system does not require a particular type of barcode label, SirsiDynix recommends labels of the stock type and size listed in this topic, using the CODE 39 MOD 10 symbology. If you are currently using other types of barcode labels, SirsiDynix Customer Support can assist you in testing these barcodes with the SirsiDynix Symphony system. However, SirsiDynix cannot guarantee the reliability of library-printed barcode labels or labels that do not meet the specifications listed in this topic.

If your library system is using several different types of barcodes, you may need to modify the default Barcode policies or create new policies so that these different barcodes can be read by SirsiDynix Symphony. For more information, see the Barcode wizard topic.

Barcode Labels

A barcode label contains an item or patron identification number which is read by a barcode scanning device. Sequential (dumb) and smart barcode labels are available from SirsiDynix. If you are interested in purchasing either type of barcode labels from SirsiDynix, contact SirsiDynix Client Sales at 1-800-917-4774. When you purchase barcode labels from SirsiDynix, you should test the barcode labels as soon as you receive them. SirsiDynix cannot accept returns or make corrections after 30 days.

Sequential Labels

Sequential or “dumb” labels contain a scannable barcode number, the same number in human-readable form, and the name of the owning institution.

Smart Labels

Smart barcode labels are purchased from SirsiDynix for items in your database. Item information that can be on the label includes the following.

• Author
• Call number of the item
• Human-readable number
• Institution name
• Item location
• Publication year
• Scannable barcode number
• Title

Before SirsiDynix can generate and order smart labels, a SirsiDynix Symphony database of your items is created. This means that if you want smart labels, arrangements must first be made for creating your SirsiDynix Symphony database. For example, you could send SirsiDynix an existing machine-readable database of your items, such as OCLC tapes, to convert to your SirsiDynix Symphony database.

SirsiDynix can, upon request, embed existing accession numbers on the 14-digit barcode numbers, provided that the existing accession numbers are unique and are no longer than 8 digits. The labels you receive are sorted by location, unless you request an alternate method of sorting. The barcode number is already in the database record of the item.

Specifications

To order barcode labels, contact SirsiDynix Client Sales. If you want to order labels from another source, use the following specifications.

Any deviation from these SirsiDynix-approved specifications may result in a compromise of the SirsiDynix Symphony system functionality.

The label format includes the following specifications.

• A minimum of 5/8 inches high and 2 inches wide
• Covered with a minimum 1 mil thick matte
• Finished with polypropylene laminate
• Backed with a minimum 2 mil thick permanent
• Acrylic adhesive
• Printed on 4 mil resin coated facestock paper
• Photocomposed

In addition, the following specifications should be met:

• Barcode labels must use CODE 39 (preferred) or CODABAR symbology.
• Label density must be 9.4 characters per inch.
• The barcode portion of the label must be a minimum of 5/16 inches in height.
• The leading and trailing quiet zones must be no less than 5/32 inches wide.
• The library name must be printed above the barcode portion of the label. The 14 character human-readable barcode must be printed below the barcode portion of the label.

The barcode content includes the following specifications:

• Barcode must be 14 characters in length, not including the CODE 39 start and stop characters.
• The first digit must be 4 for patron labels and 5 for item labels.
• Digits 2 through 5 must be a 4-digit library code, approved by SirsiDynix.
• Digits 6 through 13 must be a right-justified, zero-filled unique accession number.
• Digit 14 must be a modulo 10 check digit.

Related topics 

Barcode Wizard

 

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