IRM Procedures: Barcode Placement Procedures

Instructions for ALL Materials

1. The barcode should not cover ANY print matter (words or images).
   
   
2. Line up the barcode carefully as it will be difficult or impossible to move after placement.
   
   
3. The barcode should always line up parallel with one of the edges of the material.
   
   

Material Types:

• Hardcover Books and Direct-Adds
• Paperback Books with Hard Plastic Binding
• Book in Phase Box
• Paperback Books that are Routinely Bound
• DVDs
• VHS
• Music CDs & CD-ROMs
• Maps Housed in Flat Drawers [Superscript codes: [none], MRH, MRHj, MRO, MROj, MRR, MRRj]
• Maps Housed in Filing Cabinets [Superscript Codes: MRHu, MROu, MRRu]
• Maps Housed Folded on Shelves [Superscript codes: MRU]

(Last modified March 2015)

For books with no printing on the back cover, use approved template to affix the barcode to the book.

The preferred location for the barcode is horizontal, in the top right-hand corner of the back cover, approximately 1" from the hinge and 1/2" from the top edge.

The second choice for the barcode, if needed, is horizontal in the lower left-hand area of the back cover, approximately 1/2" from the fore edge and from the bottom edge and at least 1" from the printed UPC code.

The third choice for the barcode, if needed, is vertical in the top left-hand area of the back cover, approximately 1/2" from the fore edge and 1/2" from the top edge.

If any of the above locations still cover up printed words, ask your supervisor for placement assistance. ONLY authorized staff may make a determination of what printed words are acceptable to be covered up.

Books or bound periodicals that are housed in a protective phase box should have a double-barcode applied, following the instructions above for hardcover books.

1. The wide barcode is placed on the box.
2. The thin barcode is placed on the book.

Paperback Books that are Routinely Bound

The preferred location for the barcode is horizontal, in the center of the back (verso) of the last page with printing on it, approximately 1/4" from the top edge.

The second choice for the barcode, if needed, is horizontal in the lower left-hand area of the back (verso) of the last page with printing on it, approximately 1/4" from the fore edge and 1/4" from the bottom edge.

The third choice for the barcode, if needed, is vertical in the top left-hand area of the back (verso) of the last page with printing on it, approximately 1/4" from the fore edge and 1/4" from the top edge.

If any of the above locations still cover up printed words, ask your supervisor for placement assistance. ONLY authorized staff may make a determination of what printed words are acceptable to be covered up.

Paperback Books with Hard Plastic Binding

In general, follow the instructions for hardcover books, if the binding will not be replaced. If necessary, check with Preservation staff.

DVDs

Place the barcode inside the DVD case in the upper right corner of the back of the case.

For multi-disc DVD sets in multiple cases, barcode each case. There is no need to barcode the accompanying box.

For accompanying materials that are not housed with the DVD(s), place the barcode according to the paperback guidelines, regardless of binding.

VHS Tapes

Tape the barcode -- face-down -- on the inside of the lid (i.e., not the tray side of the case).

Barcodes are applied to the spine label that is created by Marking after the video is cataloged.

Music CDs & CD-ROMs

Always place the barcode in the top left corner on the front of the jewel case or enclosure.

If the booklet is housed inside the jewel case or enclosure, it does not need a separate barcode.

For accompanying materials that are not housed with the CD or CD-ROMs, place the barcode according to the hardcover guidelines, regardless of binding.

Maps Housed in Flat Drawers [Superscript codes: [none], MRH, MRHj, MRO, MROj, MRR, MRRj]

• Place the barcode on the verso of the map, alternating between the upper left and upper right corners.
  
  
• Do not cover any text or images. If you are unable to locate an available spot, ask your supervisor.
  
  
• If the map is encapsulated, place the barcode on the Mylar, NOT on the map.

Maps Housed in Envelopes [Superscript Codes: MRHu, MROu, MRRu]

• Place the barcode on the verso of the envelope, alternating between the lower left and lower right corners.

Maps Housed Folded on Shelf or in Filing Cabinet [Superscript codes: MRHu, MRU]

• Place the barcode on the verso of the map, in the upper middle.
  
  
• Avoid covering pertinent text or images. Decorative pictures, advertisements, or publisher's information duplicated elsewhere may be covered, if necessary.
  
  
• If you are unable to locate an available spot, ask your supervisor.