--- Forwarded Message from [log in to unmask] ---

>From: [log in to unmask]
>Date: Wed, 9 Oct 2002 09:18:06 -0400
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re:  #6848 Item Checkout Database Software

Carly,

Several labs in the NERALLD area have successfully used barcode
checkouts within a lab-designed FileMaker Pro database. We had
a meeting focussed on this topic quite a few years back. See
http://www.marlboro.edu/~neralld/newslet/oldnews/may97newslett.html
for the May 1997 follow-up newsletter on the topic.

At Boston University, we use 4th Dimension for the Mac, with
pre-printed barcodes attached to all circulating materials.
Our system took years to develop and is very robust, and is
based on OCLC cataloguing practices. We found this to be a
favorable alternative to using the university library services
for cataloguing which would cost us an arm and a leg, each year.
(we only have so many appendages!)

Several things I would recommend if you do a lot of circulation:

1. Plan your needs carefully before launching into a catalog project.
2. Use vinyl coated barcodes for max durability.
3. Get good scanning equipment.
We use a barcode reader plus an ID stripe reader. For several
years we used a wand-type barcode reader but have recently
switched to a trigger/gun type for increased durability.

Carly, I would be happy to explain more about our system,
off list.

Good luck!

best,
bruce

Bruce Parkhurst
Geddes Language Center
Boston University
617 353-2640
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