As established by the INFOhio Advisory Committee in 1993, INFOhio requires all libraries using the INFOhio Library Automation software to comply with the defined barcode standards and structure that have been established for participation in the INFOhio network. This page provides details of INFOhio's barcode standards.

Rationale | Barcode Policy | Barcode structure  | Related information

Rationale

Every INFOhio item and patron should  be uniquely identified (no duplication) within our state network. This meets current and future requirements for resource sharing within districts, regions and the state. INFOhio values the sharing of information and materials whenever possible so that resources for Ohio students are used efficiently. It also provides a unique entry for patron authentication to INFOhio resources should we decide to use that in the future.

A consistent and uniform barcode format helps simplify support needs at all levels. This includes INFOhio developed procedures for processing and loading MARC data, including the generation of dumb/smart item/patron barcode labels. It also helps ITC staff and school libraries with holdings specifications when dealing with book vendors, testing and setting up of equipment, test scans of barcode labels, etc.

Barcode standards allow us take advantage of advanced features of the software which enhance functionality for library staff. Examples include:

	Barcode validation  which helps maintain the integrity of the database (ensures patrons coded as patrons and items coded as items)
	Barcode shortcuts (abbreviating a 14-digit barcode to its significant digits plus an X for the check digit. Example: 15000177X  instead of 32414150001779)
	Auto-id assignment (when adding items or patrons, the system can auto-assign a unique and proper 14-digit INFOhio barcode for your library.

Since 1993, INFOhio has used Integrated Library System (ILS) software from three companies, but no INFOhio-automated school has been required to re-barcode since the entering the program. If INFOhio adopts a different ILS, the requirement that any INFOhio-automated school will have to re-barcode is unlikely. If INFOhio adopts a different ILS or database structure, our current protocols should improve the ability  to export and migrate each districts transaction data from our current ILS since barcodes are unique.

Barcode Policy

To be fully compatible with the INFOhio network and to take full advantage of software features, both current and future, INFOhio requires participating libraries to use 14-digit Code 39 barcodes with a Modulus 10, Type1 check digit. CODABAR 14-digit barcodes with Modulus 10, Type 1 check digit are also acceptable, however Code 39 is the preferred scheme. For additional details please review the  specifications for Barcode Structure.

INFOhio, along with the Ohio Department of Education and the ITCs, established unique 4-digit institution codes to be assigned to each public, private, state and special school institution that might participate in the INFOhio network. All buildings within a district must use the assigned institution code within their barcodes as specified. By using a 4-digit code for each district, all item and patron barcodes in the INFOhio system are uniquely identified.

If your library is interested in automating with INFOhio, please contact central@infohio.org or your local ITC Provider to confirm your assigned institution code and existing barcode compatibility.

Libraries automating with INFOhio will need to have INFOhio compliant barcodes attached to library materials before circulating or at maximum within one (1) year of the date data having been loaded into the INFOhio automation system. Upon the 1-year anniversary of the data load, the barcode validation feature will be fully activated by the ITC/INFOhio and non-compliant barcodes will no longer function. 

The ability for a library to load barcodes from another automation system into INFOhio and to use them for a maximum of one (1) year requires that no duplication exists within the old system's barcodes.

Libraries that elect to load their old barcodes into the INFOhio system for an interim period of one year while they complete their re-barcoding project will need to file a Barcode Compliance Agreement (MS Wrod 1 pg). This form is to be filed with the ITC and INFOhio and states the district/library agrees to comply within one year to INFOhio's terms and conditions specified for barcode compliance within the software. Barcode structure

The first digit of the barcode denotes the type: patron barcodes begin with a 2,and item barcodes begin with a 3.  Barcode positions 2 through 5 must contain a unique 4-digit institution code assigned by either the ITC or INFOhio. Positions 6 through 13 must contain a unique, non-duplicate number assigned to each patron/item. Digit 14 is a calculated numeric check digit based on the Mod 10 algorithm. Additional specifications are available in Barcode Structure and Algorithm. [MS Word OR PDF 1 pg] Related information - Strategies to barcode existing collections