[11163] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Library Automation--Comments & Questions
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (PACS-L Moderator)
Mon Mar 24 21:13:25 1997
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 1997 18:29:31 -0600 (CST)
From: PACS-L Moderator <libpacs@UH.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
2 Messages
1) Barcodes and OPACs: advice needed
2) Java/Javascript applications for libraries?
Please respond directly to the authors, not PACS-L. Thanks, Linda
*-----
From: Julie Blume Nye <nye@trln.lib.unc.edu>
Subject: Barcodes and OPACs: advice needed
PLEASE REPLY DIRECTLY TO ME, NOT TO THE LIST!
One of our public libraries is in the early planning
stages for selecting their first automated system.
Because of limited staffing, they'd like to begin
barcoding the items NOW -- before the ILS vendor has
even been selected (even before preparing their RFP).
Most of the collection has already been converted
(150,000 vols) for a statewide union list project,
and they're planning to produce smart barcodes from
an extract tape of that database.
Clearly, this _sounds_ like putting the cart before the
horse (given the horrendous cost if those barcodes
don't work with the system ultimately chosen) -- but I
don't want to discourage this library just because
"we don't usually do it that way." I think they have some
legitimate administrative reasons for what they want to do
-- so I need to help them determine whether there are
sufficiently compelling technical (or other) reasons
NOT to barcode first.
Here are our questions.
1) Are they nuts to barcode this early, before they even
know what system they're going to select?
(Staffing in this library is very limited, so barcoding
now seems like a logical strategy. They can't shut down
for mass barcoding later on, and want to avoid the extra
time it will take to barcode items at the circ desk, once
the ILS/OPAC *is* selected and installed.)
2) If they select Code 39 (mod 43) or Codabar barcodes,
would they be compatible with all automated systems?
Or are there additional parameters that may be ILS-vendor
or barcode-vendor specific, that they need to make
decisions about now, too?
3) Even though the automated system vendor has not
been selected yet, the library can identify the most
likely (eventual) bidders. They're still more than a
year away from getting an RFP out for the automated
system, however. Is there any benefit to speaking
directly with those vendors now to see which barcode
formats their systems will handle? If so, should we
believe the answer?
4) It may be too early to ask this, but I'll try anyway:
the library would prefer to place the barcode label on
the outside of the book, covered by a transparent label
protector. But they've been told that label protectors
interfere with accurate scanning. Since there's no
local barcode guru/mechanic who will keep their scanners
in top working order, this is a concern. Are there specific
types of label protectors (thicknesses, composition,
brands, etc.) that are more 'interference-free' than others?
Is there a tradeoff with durability?
TIA for any advice or experiences you can share!
---------------
Julie Blume Nye, Network Development Consultant
State Library of North Carolina
109 East Jones Street phone: 919.733.2570
Raleigh, NC 27601 email: jbnye@hal.dcr.state.nc.us
(Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of my employer.)
*-----
From: Wilfred Drew <drewwe@morrisville.edu>
Subject: Java/Javascript applications for libraries?
Again, I am looking for wothwhile Java and Javascript applications for
libraries. I have been actively scouring Java Sites and Javascript
sites all over the Internet. So far (after three weeks of looking) I
have only found three such things worth including. I have put linksto
them or have the actual application on the following URL:
http://www.snymor.edu/pages/library/java.htmlx
What have others found or developed? I am not a programmer and while I
am trying to learn Javascript, I am interested in shareware or free ware
applications. Thanks.
--
Wilfred Drew (Call me "Bill") Systems Librarian (also reference)
SUNY College of Ag. & Tech.; P.O. Box 902; Morrisville, NY 13408-0902
E-mail: DREWWE@MORRISVILLE.EDU Cooltalk:drewwe@136.204.83.8
powwow:drewwe@wedrew.lib.morrisville.edu
Phone: (315)684-6055 or 684-6060 Fax: (315)684-6115
New Homepage: http://www.snymor.edu/~drewwe/
Not Just Cows: http://www.morrisville.edu/~drewwe/njc/
LibraryLinks: http://www.morrisville.edu/pages/library/
SUNYLA'97: http://www.morrisville.edu/~drewwe/sunyla/sunyla97.htm
--
