Applying Barcodes to Books

Scope: Description of the proper placement of barcodes paper/cloth-bound books

Contact: Sara Biondi

Unit: Monograph Acquisitions Department

Date last reviewed:

Date of next review: 02/28/2022

• About Barcode Placement:
  • • Barcodes must be placed in the same (rough) location on all books. 
    • Two approaches:
      • Hold the book upright, with the spine in your left hand. (Note that depending on region/language, you maybe looking at the front or back cover; this is irrelevant to barcode placement.) 
        • Flip the top towards you. You'll see the other side of the book, upside-down. (The ISBN will probably be upside down.)
        • Apply a barcode to the book. Spine side (but not across the spine), bottom of book (but the top of the "flipped" book you're seeing.) Best is bottom near (but not across) the spine.
      • Hold the book upright, with the spine in your right hand. (Note that depending on region/language, you maybe looking at the front or back cover; this is irrelevant to barcode placement.)
        • Apply a barcode to the book in the lower-right corner of the cover you're looking at. Place it as close to the spine as possible without overlapping the hinge or wrapping over the spine. Try to keep the barcode as close as possible to the bottom of the cover, with the understanding that some maneuvering may be required.
    • If there's an ISBN barcode in the goal spot on the book: put the Duke barcode further up on the book. Do not overlap the ISBN, and never put the ISBN and Duke barcodes side-by-side (creates barcode reading errors). (You'll have to use judgement here.)
    • Optimally, try to leave 1/8-3/16 inch (0.3-0.5 cm) clearance between the barcode edges and the spine hinge (indentation or change of fabric) and/or bottom.

• • • For sets on one order, barcode all volumes as usual, but do not add items for additional volumes until cataloging is complete. (If sending to CATS, use a pink string to keep volumes together.)
    • Barcode the book (not the dust/slip cover) unless you have special instructions otherwise (Guidelines for Dust Jackets). 
    • Don't barcode "odd" things like pamphlets and maps and videos. And if it looks old/expensive/historic, check the "Library Note" and ask someone first!
    • If you anticipate item going for binding, check Conservation versus Commercial Binding Guidelines and other notes on handoff to Bindery for considerations.

Examples of Correct Barcode Placement: