Receipts – Barcodes: do we need them?

Discuss here if you would like to see the barcode removed from the patron slips.

Argument FOR barcodes on the receipts:

  1. easy to see which item the patron had
  2. helps if the barcode is lost from the book
  3. any others?

Argument AGAINST barcodes on the receipts:

  1. the entire receipt will look nicer
  2. the information will fit better.
  3. any others?

Please discuss!

12 Responses to “Receipts – Barcodes: do we need them?”

  1. Cathy N says:

    most of our patrons do not want the slip so it really doesn’t matter to us. I think for those who do like the slip, being able to read what is there is more important that having so much info – title and date due is sufficient. I think the barcode that is REALLY not necessary is the patron barcode.

  2. royce says:

    In talking to my staff there is a consensus that the barcode is rather useful on the receipt. They can look that barcode up real quickly and see what is up with the book: did it get turned in, is it still on the patrons card. The title is just not enough for my staff.

  3. PJ says:

    I think the receipt is for patron’s use and they do not need the barcode. Staff has other, more efficient, ways to get this information.

    This will produce a better looking and easier to read receipt.

    Also now that printing a slip is an option here, we will be asking patrons if they want a slip and I am positive that most will decline.

    Like Cathy, my staff doesn’t see a need for the barcode and REALLY doesn’t see a need for the patron barcode.

  4. royce says:

    After seeing the receipt mock-up that was sent out. I like the carriage return then the barcode.

  5. kathleen says:

    After talking to the staff at Bonner Springs we like the looks of the receipt mock-up that was sent out. It is definitely easier to read then the current receipt!

  6. Cathy N says:

    yes – I like this mock-up too. looks good – easy to read – the most important feature for our patrons. thanks for working to make this – well, workable.

  7. Jenne says:

    We think it looks just fine too.
    Thanks for the fix!

  8. Liz says:

    oki doki, consider it done.

  9. Sonny G says:

    I’m for the bar codes for reference, especially if there are more than one copy of the same item.
    Currently each item fits on one line, including the bar code, which I like for a practical reason — saves space but has enough info. for quick reference.

  10. Sharon says:

    What if we replaced the patron barcode with a first name? (If we can do this, Liz will have to check.) We set it up with the patron barcode because it was more ‘private’ than a full name, but for a family with multiple slips, I thought some sort of identifier was needed.

  11. Diane Trinkle says:

    I like the idea of a first name.

  12. Stan says:

    If the slips are for patrons then the barcodes make no sense. patron barcode is of no use but first name has some merit.

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