Scope: This procedure outlines the best practice for barcode placement for print materials only at CU libraries. For the barcoding of materials in other formats, see the procedure that addresses each format.
Also refer to LTS Procedure #54 Physical Marking of Periodicals and Serial Publications.
Contact: Barb Tarbox, Susie Cobb
Unit: Post Cataloging Services
Date last updated: 12/22/2014
Date of next review: December 2015
These guidelines are for barcoding general collections or barcoding protective containers for collection material. Special collection materials (RMC and Kheel Center) are exempted from these guidelines and should follow their own protocol determined by Rare & Special Processing Guidelines.
General rule for barcode placement: Barcode goes on the front of the book or container, approximately .50” from the top edge and .50” from the right hand edge. Preferred barcode placement is horizontal but placement can be vertical. Any space can be used except the upper left corner of the cover, which is reserved for call number label. If possible, do not obscure cover printing. When applicable, accompanying material should not be barcoded and would be reflected in the catalog record on material piece counts. Do not apply the barcode to the dust jacket unless the dust jacket is being retained (see special situations below).
Music Library items and scores: Do not barcode single-folio monographs that are stapled, not bound. Do not barcode scores for any music items with parts. These will be barcoded after cataloging and either pamphlet binding or commercial binding. Any music items that have pockets should be barcoded on the pocket. Do not barcode sound recordings. For all other music items follow the general rule for barcode placement.
Special Situations Barcode placement by container type Glossary Accompanying material in nonbook formats
Special Situations
Hardcover books with book jackets: Books where book jackets are being retained (i.e. New & Noteworthy) should be double-barcoded during processing; one barcode on the jacket of the book and a duplicate barcode on the hard cover of the book.
Softcover items with continuous paging in more than one piece: If the volumes do not form a complete set, barcode each volume or piece. If the set is complete and the total thickness of all the pieces together is 2.5 inches or less, barcode the first volume only. The call number and item record should reflect that the volumes are bound together (e.g., v.1-2 penciled in the first volume and recorded in the ENUM/CHRON field) If the set is complete and the total thickness of all the pieces together exceeds 2.5 inches, barcode each volume or piece.
Accompanying material: Barcode material which accompanies a main bibliographic item only if it will be shelved and circulated separately from the main item (for example—a guide to a microfilm set, a separately bound index to a print item, etc.). Do not barcode accompanying material that will be shelved and circulated in conjunction with the main item as a single unit (for example—maps in a pocket of a book, a sound cassette which is boxed, or will be boxed along with a print item). EXCEPTION: Any accompanying CD-ROM/DVD-ROM destined for any ANNEX location will be stored separately and must have a separate container, item record and barcode. Follow the general rule for barcode placement. When in doubt, do not barcode the accompanying material.
Fascicles (of dictionaries, etc.): Send softcover fascicles directly to the stacks without barcodes.
Broadsides (i.e. items printed on one side only): DO NOT BARCODE. A broadside is defined as “A separately published item consisting of a piece of paper, printed on one side only and intended to be read unfolded; usually intended to be posted or publicly distributed. Examples of broadsides are proclamations, handbills, ballad-sheets, news-sheets.”
Volumes printed back to front (i.e. East Asian, Middle Eastern, and Judaic materials): This refers to those volumes whose title page is such that the spine is on the right when opened to the title page. Ignore what is considered the front of these volumes. The barcode should be placed on the upper right corner of the cover with the spine on the left.
Library binding serials: When bringing issues together to be sent for binding, the top journal should be barcoded and entered into the catalog; after binding, a duplicate barcode should be generated by the Owning Library for the bound serial when the bound journal is returned to the library.
Microfiche sets: When transferring microfiche sets to the Annex, please contact Annex staff to determine the best method for barcoding.