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Re: Barcoding archival boxes



The Reuther Library is just launching a barcode R&D venture. Thanks to those who gave us advice. We decided to use our FileMakerPro database for the process:

A. One step is to automate the accession process in the shipping room for student/clerk-level input. We're employing 14 position standard library codabar barcodes.  These include a Library of Congress code for the repository followed by a "dumb" sequence of accession numbers.

The data entry form is being completed as I type. We will piloted next week on a 300 box shipment.

B. The resulting database is linked to a file of locations.  In our case, these are tied to 10 postion codabars. The latter are "smart" barcodes that reflect the coding for our current stacks, but can be expanded to offsite storage locations.

We'll pilot this within a month by coding one range and rearranging space as part of a planned general inventory.

C. We have tested barcode scanners and have stand alone workstations, but are waiting for a palm pilot for mobile testing.

As previous studies have found, we expect to pick-up perhaps 20% in readily workable space and locate a few "travelling" collections in the process.  The set-up will also feed directly to our reference and records management services.

Fred Stielow


Randy.Jones@MCMAIL.VANDERBILT.EDU wrote:
>
> Has anyone ever used barcoding for controlling archival material
> particlualry as part of the accession process.  We are using it now for our
> records center.  We may have to move soon and we are considering doing
> something more than just a simple box inventory.  We want to be able to
> track unprocessed boxes in terms of location and quantity and bar code
> technology seems to offer the best solution.
>
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--
Fred Stielow
Director
Reuther Library/Labor Union Archives
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI 48202
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A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List!

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Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at
     http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html

Problems?  Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <rschmidt@lib.muohio.edu>