[DCRM-L] barcode program

[vbartow at nypl.org]

And here is the promised paper describing (and illustrating) polyethylene
strapping and barcoding procedure.

http://aic.stanford.edu/sg/bpg/annual/v19/bp19-28.html

We use polyethylene straps for all books, applying the strap to the back
covers, or the outside of boxes and envelopes. For boxes, we put the strap
around the box. For pamphlets in wrappers or limp covers, books with loose
boards, or items covered in light colored cloth or paper over boards, the
items are put in an envelope (paper or gusseted Tyvek) and the barcode is
fixed to the envelope. For clamshell boxes, when you cannot slide the
heat-sealed poly strap over any part of the box, we use double sided tape
to seal the strap.

The Library has barcode placement guidelines for materials going to our
offsite facility. We've decided to follow them whenever possible, and think
that the strapping method we are using could be adapted should material
have to be stored offsite.

The NYPL purchased custom width (2 1/2" wide) strapping from Benchmark. We
also use 2" wide and 1" wide strapping for narrower books and boxes.

The impulse sealer is a treasure. We do two side by side seals that
stabilize the strap, and leave a tab at one end. The back of the tab is
where we put the barcode, and on the front side of the tab, the call number
(printed on a clear Avery label # 3660). The tab sticks up above the book
or box and allows you to read the call number when you are at the shelf
(much the same way that a paper strip would).

A bone folder is used as a burnisher to push air from under the adhesive
labels and double-sided tape.

Yours,

Virginia Bartow
Curator, George Arents Collection, and Head, Special Collections Cataloging
Humanities and Social Sciences Library
The New York Public Library
http://www.nypl.org/humanities/