How to Apply Smart Barcodes

5/09 ZL
Note: These guidelines describe practice for CUL materials processed for transfer to
ReCAP. Detailed changes are made to accommodate departmental collections or practice.
Barcoding Guidelines:
1) Match barcode to book.
a. Match the call number on the smart barcode to the call number on
the shelf. A match must be exact.
b. Double check the title of the book against the title on the smart
barcode. A match must be exact.
Title information will match the title page, not the title on the
cover or spine.
Smart barcodes only print standard Latin characters; have
tolerance for transliteration and accent marks.
2) Write appropriate notation on smart barcode
a. Assess the condition of the volume. If the book is damaged, fragile or
in a container, apply the barcode perpendicularly to the top cover of
the book. Keep these books separate on the booktruck. Later, move
them to the staging area for fragile processing.
b. OPTIONAL [Examine circulation date.] Check the last circulation
date on the date slip inside the back cover. If the volume has circulated
in the previous X years, leave the smart barcode on the sheet. Write
C on the right-hand side of the smart barcode.
c. Check for duplicate copies. If there are two or more identical books
and/or two or more identical barcodes, leave the book(s) on the shelf.
Write D on the right-hand side of the smart barcode.
d. Check for multiple volumes. If the title has multiple volumes, leave
all books on the shelf. Write M on the right-hand side of the smart
barcode.
e. Book not on shelf. Check several volumes on either side of correct
location for possible mis-shelving. Write on the right-hand side of
the smart barcode
3) Apply smart barcode to book.
a. Place the barcode in the upper left hand corner of the front cover
inch from top of book and joint at spine.
Printing or decoration may be obscured.
Consider the front cover to always be according to Western
European tradition.
b. Assure that the application of barcodes is straight, secure and
consistent.
Experience has shown that about 90-95% of the smart
barcodes will be regular or fragile.
5-10% will receive M, D or notation.