The document outlines the process of library material handling including data entry, barcode creation, and cataloging, as essential steps for organizing and managing library collections. Key components discussed are accession numbers, circulation cards, and the importance of bibliographic description for efficient library services. It also highlights the significance of barcodes for identifying materials and the methods for their creation and application within the library system.

1. ICT Training
(UNESCO Participation Program)
Processing of Library Materials
(Data entry, Barcode creation, Call No., Printing, Testing, &
Pasting)
Library Association of Bangladesh
Md. Zahid Hossain Shoeb
Deputy Librarian (Systems)
Independent University, Bangladesh
15 March 2015

2. What is a library?

3. Library materials
 A library's material is its collection.
 Library collection are accumulation of books
and other materials owned by a library ,
cataloged and arranged for ease of access
 Materials can include books, periodicals,
newspapers, manuscripts, films, maps,
documents, microform, CDs, cassettes,
videotapes, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, e-books,
audiobooks, databases, and other formats.

4. Processing of library materials
 Processing is a series of tasks or operations
 Before items can be shelved and then
circulated from the library, they need to be
physically prepared
 Library materials go through processing so that
they can be located, used, and returned to the
library from which they originated.
 Each item in the library must go through
physical processing

5. Processing includes mainly
 Accession numbers
 Circulation cards, pockets, date due slips
 Plastic covers, laminates, or cases to protect
materials
 Data entry
 Barcodes
 Detection strips
 Property stamps

6. Data entry
 Data entry is to enter or update data into a
computer system database, often from paper
documents using a keyboard, optical scanner, or
data recorder
 At library bibliographic description is entered in
suitable database; Data is required for acquisition,
circulation, cataloguing, patron, report etc.
 Additional information related to library user
 Standard is preferred for bibliographic description
 Think about data interoperability, data exchange,
data migration, sustainability

7. Data entry – koha ILS

8. The Bibliographic record
The description of an item of
recorded information, which
includes all the data necessary to
uniquely identify it, together with
access points.
• Find
• Identify
• Select
• Acquire

9. Catalog card similar to OPAC display

10. Sample database schema1
1. Source: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/xaa0he85%28v=vs.71%29.aspx

11. Barcode creation
 A barcode is an optical machine-readable representation of
data relating to the object to which it is attached. A barcode
reader is an electronic device for reading printed barcodes.2
 Barcodes provide a unique accession number for an item.
 Barcode information comes from catalog data of database
 Free barcode fonts are available
 Barcode may be created by using integrated report of
database software or third party report software
 For ILS (Integrated Library System) barcode is created
through respective module
2. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcode

12. Barcode creation
 Barcode labels are either “smart” or “dumb”.
 Smart barcodes are specific to an item.
 Dumb barcode labels can be used on any item.
 The earliest, and still the cheapest, barcode scanners are
built from a fixed light and a single photo-sensor
 Demo barcode creation from an ILS

13. Call number
 A call number is a group of numbers and/or letters put
together to tell you where in the library to find your
book.
 Books (as well as journals and any materials that
accompany books) are arranged on the shelf by call
numbers.
 The call number is a unique identifier and is created
using the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), or
Dewey Decimal System; LC and UDC are also in
practice in Bangladesh
 The rationale behind this alphanumeric system is to
classify books by subject both broadly and specifically.

14. Call number
in the opac
or online
catalogue
on the spine
of book

15. Barcode printing, tasting & pasting
 To print, Printer is required, networked or local printer
 To taste, barcode reader is used for input. If properly not
read, check background data and regenerate barcode
 Barcode labels are put on materials in the following
location:
 Inside the front or back cover – this protects the barcode label from
being damaged but adds a step at the circulation desk because the
book has to be opened.
 On the front or back cover – this makes it easier to circulate the item
because the book does not have to be opened but the label may be
subject to damage from patron use.
 On both – this gives you more options but increases your processing
costs.

16. Finalize the process
 The processing steps will certainly vary by type of
library and within a library different types of material
may be processed in different ways.
 When all processing steps are completed, materials
are interfiled on a book cart, separated by department
or area, and set out for shelving.