NYC School Librarian Guidebook: Barcodes

New York City school libraries have a standard for barcodes. When you order materials for your library, include the barcode specifications as part of the processing for your order. You will have to complete a specification form for each vendor.

Before you order barcodes, you need to know your library location code. The library location code is a four-letter code assigned to each New York City school library by the Office of Library Services. To get your school library location code, email Mohini Sookdeo at MSookdeo@schools.nyc.gov or Leanne Ellis at LEllis3@schools.nyc.gov 

The barcode is a 14 digit, Code 39 (or Code 3 of 9), MOD 43, with a check digit. All schools are recommended to use this barcode symbology. The barcode should look like this:

Decoding the Barcode:

• The type indicator is usually a 3.
• The location code is a four-letter code you receive from the Department of Library Services.
• Each school has its own collection code such as ZZZZ. The collection codes are generated by the Office of Library Services.
• The item number is an eight digit range for materials, but you will need to use 9 for the sample range you give to vendors.
  • You can assign an item number range for your vendors.
  • You can assign a two-digit number for the vendor and a six-digit range for items.
    • An example would be 01 for a book vendor such as Follett with 000,001 for the first item number. The barcode range would look like 3ZZZZ010000001 to 3ZZZZ019000001.
    • Another vendor would be 02, with 000,001 for the item number. It would look like 3ZZZZ020000001 to 3ZZZZ029000001.
    • You can assign your school the highest number range of 09000001.
  • The check digit is generated by the computer.
  • Keep a list of all the item number ranges you assign to vendors.
• Sample barcode specification forms are available below.