Re: [IUG] iPhone barcode apps

[Chris Wells <cwells at thegdl dot org>]

On 02/27/2012 12:22 PM, Pam Sears wrote:
> Good afternoon!
>
> Just wondering if any libraries out there are allowing patrons to use their smart phones in place of their library cards.  The barcode apps seem to be gaining in popularity so we are considering accepting them.  If you allow the smart phones at your library, we'd be interest to learn how you handle:
>
>
> *        security issues (apparently, some apps allow the user to simple type the barcode number into their smart phone)
>
> *        the risk associated with staff handling patrons' expensive devices
>
> *        the risk associated with the possibility of the phones coming into contact with strong magnetic desensitizing equip at the circ desk
>
> Thanks for your help!
>
> Pam Sears
> Public Services Team Leader
> Washington-Centerville Public Library
> 111 W. Spring Valley Dr.
> Centerville, OH  45458
> 937/610-4409
> psears at wcpl dot lib dot oh<mailto:psears at wcpl dot lib dot oh>

We have considered allowing patrons to use their smart phones to display 
their barcodes for checkout purposes.  We have not yet implemented this, 
but consider the following.

 * security issue:  This needs to be addressed by your administration.  
The Code39 barcodes most of us in libraryland use are pretty simple to 
create (its a font that can be used in Microsoft Word).  There is 
nothing really unique about these apps being able to create barcodes 
from text that is simply typed in.

 * handling patron devices: I would personally have the patron hold the 
device while your staff scans the code using a handheld scanner.  This 
also alleviates the risk of the device coming into contact with strong 
magnetic devices.

 * new barcode scanners needed: If you want to scan barcodes that are 
displayed on a LCD display you will need a CCD style barcode scanner.  
If you don't already have these scanners in place, you will have to make 
purchases before accepting barcodes from digital devices.

--
Chris Wells

Database Administrator
The Genesee District Library (Flint, Michigan, USA)
810.230.3338

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED HEREIN ARE MY OWN
AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF MY EMPLOYER.


--
This message has been scanned for viruses and
dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
believed to be clean.