Recommended Barcode Scanners
Two types of barcode scanners are in common use – the older red-line laser scanners for reading the barcodes on library items and the newer CCD or linear imager scanners which can read both backlit screens, such as on smartphones, as well as the traditional barcode labels.
CCD scanners are important as borrowers transition from a plastic library card to having their barcode stored in their smartphone in the NOBLE app or other library apps.
Scanning Patron Cards from Smartphones
To scan patron library cards from smartphones, a CCD or Linear Imager scanner is required. Laser scanners are not able to read barcodes from backlit screens, like those on smartphones.
NOBLE has tested and recommends the Datalogic QuickScan I QD2131 Linear Imager with USB connection for reading both smartphone screens and printed book and patron barcodes.
You will need to change some settings on these scanners in order to read the Codabar barcodes on your books and library cards. Use the cheat sheet below for basic programming. Note that the scanner can read the codes directly off your computer screen.
See Barcode Scanners and Smartphones page in NOBLE’s Evergreen staff client documentation for setup instruction.
General information on the types of barcode scanners available
- Laser Scanner – Reads barcodes using reflected laser light produced by the scanner, the scanners used for decades. Laser scanners produce a sharp horizontal beam of light. Lasers cannot read from backlit screens.
- CCD (Charge Coupled Device) Scanners – Read barcodes using light already present in the environment, including that produced by a backlit screen. CCD scanners produce a diffuse glow.
- Linear Imager – a CCD device capable of reading a one dimensional (linear) barcode from a printed label or backlit screen. Library book and patron barcodes are one dimensional.
- Area Imager – a CCD device capable of reading one dimensional or two dimensional codes from a printed label or backlit screen. A QR code is an example of a two dimensional code.
Recommended Receipt Printer
The recommended thermal receipt printer is Star Micronics TSP143III, with USB interface and auto-cutter.
Purchasing
Libraries can purchase the barcode scanner and the receipt printer through the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC), a nonprofit purchasing consortium that meets state purchasing requirements. See MHEC L53 contract, for BayScan Technologies – price list highlighted for receipt printer. See this quote for newer model of barcode scanner. You may also be able to find competitive prices on sites like Amazon if you are able to use them; make sure the barcode scanner price includes stand and cable.
Libraries can join MHEC directly at their website, mhec.net, at no cost and be eligible for discounts on many items from a variety of vendors.