In our experience, they are pre-programmed, but you may have to set them up the first time by scanning the enclosed barcodes to indicate barcode format, whether you want to add a "return" after a scan, have a beep sound, etc.  Once you have done that, it is programmed from then on.  Your barcodes shown may be "DRA-style" which was 13 digits vs. the more standardized 14 digits we see more often.  It should follow one of the standards present in a barcode reader.

We bought some handheld Adesso NuScan 1200 readers from Amazon a while ago for about $60 each.  That model is no longer made but they do have a 1600 model that is a good price.  The ones we bought are press-a-button to scan, vs. the auto-scan types that would be better at the Circulation Desk.  Others may chime in for fancier models.  I wanted a scan device at every library person's workstation and for when we did inventory with a laptop.   Very satisfied with these.  We had tried an unknown brand before this but could not get those to work so we had to send them back. 
GARY C.
_____________________
Gary R. Cocozzoli
Director of the Library
Lawrence Technological University
248-204-3000
   gcocozzol@ltu.edu
   (or) grc@ltu.edu

Visit the Library at http://library.ltu.edu


On Tue, Apr 6, 2021 at 11:43 AM Ann Bissell via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:

The last time bar were purchased was at least 5 years ago and I need some help!

I believe we use codabar format- there are 13 numbers on labels, with a check digit at the beginning. If the image doesn't load, there is a sample  in the attachment.



I have the following questions:

Are the scanners/readers plug & play or is there some software that needs to uploaded?

And why are prices so varied? $40 to $200.

Any recommendations? Where did you purchase them?

Thanks collective wisdom!
Ann


********************************************************************    

Ann Bissell
Reference Librarian
Bay College Library

906-217-4079
800-221-2001

Fax 906-217-1682


Bay de Noc Community College
2001 North Lincoln Road
Escanaba, MI 49829

bissella@baycollege.edu

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