The Use of Portable Barcode Scanners in Collections Inventory

Abstract

Collections inventory is labor-intensive, time-consuming and costly. But since it is a repetitive process it lends itself to computerised applications. A methodology devised at the University of Waterloo uses barcode technology and custom-designed programs and report writers to collect and facilitate the analysis online of inventory data. Costs and benefits of inventories performed between 1984 and 1987, using these techniques, are discussed. Attention is drawn to the significance of the distinction between missing and loss rates. Finally, the importance of inventory as a necessary and ongoing function of a collections management program is emphasised.