Selecting the right bar code for your application.

Custom-Printed Bar Code Labels

Bar codes are like a printed version of the Morse code. Different bar and space patterns are used to represent different characters. Sets of these patterns are grouped together to form a symbology. Most symbologies were designed to meet the needs of a specific application or industry.

What is bar code symbology?
Symbology allows a scanner and a bar code to speak to one another. When the bar code is scanned, it’s the symbology that allows the printer to understand the information that needs to be printed onto the label.

Codabar was developed in 1972 and is used by libraries, blood banks, and air parcel services. It is strictly a numeric bar code and encompasses 16 characters: 0-9, plus “-“, “.”, “:”, “$”, “/” and “+”. Codabar bar codes can be of variable length and do not require a check digit.

Code 39 was developed because some industries needed to encode the alphabet as well as numbers into a bar code. It is typically the non-food standard bar code, and is used for ID, inventory, and tracking purposes in various industries. Code 39 is by far the most popular bar code symbology and generally produces relatively long bar codes.

What bar code symbology do I need?
Your circulation software determines the specific bar code symbology (Codabar or Code 39) you need and it is usually listed in the software manual.

What is a check digit?
A check digit is a character whose value is calculated based on an algorithm and used for the purpose of performing a mathematical check to ensure the accuracy of the data.

What is the difference between a patron and an item bar code?
Patron bar codes are used on ID cards whereas item bar codes are used on books, media etc. Patron bar codes typically begin with 2 and item bar codes begin with 3 for visual identification.

What is a library system code?
The library system code is a number given to a branch within a library system. Each branch has its own unique library system code so that it can be distinguished within a library system.

What are the differences between digital, laser and thermal bar codes?
Digital bar code labels offer greater consistency, readability and archivability than other label types, yet the cost compares favorably with lower quality laser and thermal transfer labels. The digital imaging process produces digitized images printed with lightfast, durable, polymerized inks on white, acid-free paper or polyester. The quality of these labels is unmatched in the industry. View our selection of digital bar code labels.

Laser bar code labels offer high-resolution print at an affordable price. Images are heat-fused onto paper via a dry-toner cartridge. Labels are available on standard 24 lb. paper. View our selection of laser bar code labels.

Thermal transfer bar code labels are economically produced through the transfer of an image from a thermal ribbon to the substrate by heat and pressure. If properly made, each label should scan 100% of the time and provide long service. These labels are printed on polypropylene material. View our selection of thermal transfer bar code labels.