RE: Scanning Devices

["Alan Gray" <akgray at darien dot lib dot ct dot us>]

We use the Symbol Cyclone scanner, which is an "aggressive" scanner -- denoting the swath of its read area -- and found it 32% faster than the old single line gooseneck scanners we were using. (Yes, we set up dueling stations and measured throughput.)

It's at the upper end of the cost range, but in our mind well worth it, given its flexibility for future use, and effectiveness.

I'd be happy to reply off-line with information about the vendor and pricing we received, but that seems inappropriate for general posting.

Presuming you are looking at working in a high-volume, hands-free environment, you ought to consider marrying such a scanner -- there are others down the food chain as well -- with a touch screen monitor, presuming you are using Millennium as your Circ system. THAT speeds things up as well.

Kevin Jewell presented on that issue several IUG's ago.

Alan Kirk Gray
Head of Technology and
      Technical Services
Darien Library
35 Leroy Avenue
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 655-1234 x 141 direct
(203) 536-7895 (cell)


-----Original Message-----
From: Russell, Jerry [mailto:jerry at BrooklynPublicLibrary dot org] 
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2004 10:35 AM
To: 'innopac at innopacusers dot org'
Subject: Scanning Devices

We are investigating new barcode scanners for our circulation desks. We
currently use hand-held devices. Any recommendations of brands/models that
work in high-volume circulation situations - preferably hands-free?
Any cost estimates you would be willing to share?

Gerald Russell
Manager of Access Services
Brooklyn Public Library
Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY  11238
jerry at brooklynpubliclibrary dot org
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