Barcode scanners

Hi Everyone, I am just setting up a brand new library for a small college that teaches creative digital media. I've been trying to find reviews or recommendations for barcode scanners, but not coming up with anything except vendor / seller sites. Just wondering if anyone has any recommendations with brands or tips of what to look for. In my last position I purchased a scanner through the ILMS vendor but I didn't find it particularly good - it often didn't read barcodes very well so you had to scan multiple times. We purchased a 2nd scanner which was a Motorola LS2208 and I found that it scanned extremely well, despite being a generic barcode scanner vs one promoted to the library sector. The prices seem to vary a bit.

Laser scanners are preferable to CCD scanners, as a general rule. And personally I tend to use handscanners for 25 bucks instead of the ridiculously overpriced handscanners for professional use. For library use such a device really does not need an IP67 certificate or other fancy industry standard seals that drive the price up. If you drop it it most likely will break anyway so better choose a scanner which can be replaced without killing your budget.

Are you just scanning barcodes/ISBN/UPCs on books/media, or do you also need to scan borrower cards. Because a lot of times these days people have the apps where you can put all your cards into your phone, and there are still some barcode scanners out there that just will not read the phone screen.

If you do have borrow cards that you need to scan with this I'd suggest going in for a scanner that will work both on print and the phone barcodes.

Try
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-USB-Automatic-Laser-Barcode-Bar-Code-Scanner-Read...

I've bought 2 of these from the seller 'value-garden' and they both work perfectly.
Cheap too. Can't lose.

I use Honeywell automatic laser barcode scanners. My only advice is to get one with a trigger button. The one I had before didn't have a button and I had laser beams flying across the room and my body every time I walk past the barcode scanner hooked to its holder. If you don't mind that though, then it's not an issue.

You might have already picked up a barcode scanner by now but here is the barcode scanner I bought for my church library (my library at work also uses the same model):

Newegg.ca:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA5SC3DC0414&cm_re=Barcode_...

Item # : 9SIA5SC3DC0414 (on website)

Product : Motorola LI2208 (LI2208-SR6U2100SGN) USB Barcode Scanner, corded, White Color, includes stand and USB cables.

Price : $194.48 (CDN)

Free Shipping

The one I've bought is only about $37 Australian (about $30 USD). I bought 2 of them. They are great. Has a stand and a trigger.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-USB-Automatic-Laser-Barcode-Bar-Code-Scanner-Rea...

I believe the most common kind of barcode stickers libraries use is the Codabar format, which requires a single-laser barcode scanner. I don't think you want an omni-directional laser because those are optimized for UPCs and EANs (like the ISBN barcodes on books, which you aren't scanning at the circ desk, or those found on grocery items).

Edit: Lol, I just noticed I am replying to a thread from 2016...

>8 deredordica: Also, these days, for public libraries at least, omnidirectional barcode scanners can be very important. Especially if a lot of the patrons who use the library have all their cards on their phone. A lot of single laser scanners don't seem to want to do the phones.

Tip for that: I put point cards etc. on my phone a lot because my wallet was getting absurd. I learned from a teller when my phone was being a pest that turning up the brightness on the screen can help the scanner read it.

I've been debating picking up the cat scanner in the shop here as something to play with for my imaginary library, but not sure if it's something I want to bother with or do things manual since I'm only dealing with one hundred or so books at the moment.

I just discovered LibraryThing and am hopeful that this application will help us increase circulation and simplify checkout at our church library.

My first task is to create the online catalog and I'm thinking of using a barcode scanner. I'm torn between two approaches and would really appreciate your advice.

CatClaws is inexpensive and recommended by LibraryThing, but it got terrible reviews in the marketplace. Has anyone used it? One advantage seems to be that it scans books directly into LibraryThing so there's no need to import Excel files.

I'm also considering the "Wireless Barcode Scanner, Wellcows 2-in-1 2.4GHz Wireless & USB 2.0 Wired USB Automatic Barcode Reader" which costs $33 and got great reviews on Amazon. Has anyone tried it?

Thanks for any help based on your experience. I'm looking forward to this adventure.

Donna

>11 CentralChurch-TC: I think you mean the CueCat? We sell them in our store, but LibraryThing will work with any USB-powered barcode scanner.

>11 CentralChurch-TC:

I have been using a barcode scanner by TaoTronics sold on Amazon for almost 6 months now. I love it, it as really speed up my cataloging process of my books although August I haven't had anytime to work on it. The one I purchased
cost $19.99. It simply plugs into a USB port on your computer and you are good to go. No programing or anything.

Here is a link.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XX7XQ35/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s0...

Thank you for your responses. I too ordered the tiny cat scanner. Works sporadically on ISBN and didn't read the library barcodes sent from LibraryThing. Before that I purchased an inexpensive scanner which worked for ISBN but not on generated barcodes. Kristie referred me to this blog and I am grateful to find a few leads on manufacturers that seem to work for others.
Her advice was use a scanner that reads 39 code. Using this parameter I am hoping to find an inexpensive efficent scanner. I'll get back to you with my happy ending.

Hi all!!! I am working on inventory in my small school library now. I would love to 1. get a system that allows me to print barcodes for the books and 2. get a system that allows us to check out books using a scanner and barcodes. The old librarian left this place a mess, I am having to start from scratch with inventory, so I am in the weed with just getting the books in the system. Any guidance would be appreciated!