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 <bissella@baycollege.edu>*

_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l