Barcode Scanners

Policy: Scanning Barcodes from Mobile Devices

The PINES app for Android and for iOS both display the patron's barcode so that it can be scanned at the library. PINES also allows patrons to present scannable electronic facsimiles of barcodes stored within specialized apps (such as Key Ring or CardStar, both of which are available for iPhone and Android) on hand-held devices in place of their physical library card. (Note: a photograph of a barcode is not sufficient.)

When a patron presents a barcode on a hand-held device, library staff will scan the barcode as if it were a physical card. Some libraries are using older barcode scanners that cannot read the barcode off of the device screen - in these cases, library staff will type in the barcode.

After retrieving the patron account, staff should ask the patron to verify their identity by confirming a piece of information on their account (such as name, phone number, email address, or date of birth).

Compatible Barcode Scanners

PINES libraries have reported that the following barcode scanners will scan patron barcode numbers off of smartphones and other handheld devices with few issues:

ADESO Model 12004
Library note: Required some configuration troubleshooting to get it to work with phone screens, but it did work.

Bayscan Imaging 2D Drivers License Scanner
Note: This will also scan library cards and item barcodes, not just licenses. Contact Dave Shaffer (mailto:dshaffer@bayscan.com) to order and request that they be pre-programmed to work with the PINES patron registration form.

Datalogic Gryphon GD4130-BK

Datalogic Gryphon GD4132
Library note: It took a bit of work to get it configured properly. Instructions available at https://cdn.datalogic.com/Download?iddwnfile=9809

Honeywell Hyperion 1300G

Honeywell/Metrologic 1300G-2 USB
Library note: So far they have been great scanners and work for every device.
Library note: We are loving the Honeywell 1300G-2USB models. They have a trigger, but you can program them to auto-scan. You can also change the volume of the beep they make – high, medium, low or OFF! They scan barcodes from smartphones very well.
Library note: The stands are not included, we had to order those separately.
Manual

Honeywell/Metrologic Voyager 1400G

Honeywell/Metrologic Voyager 1400G-2D
Library note: Staff have reported that they like these better than our normal scanners even for regular barcodes.

Honeywell 1400GPDF USB
Library note: It requires a certain distance (4-5 inches to scan correctly) and runs slightly slower than some other scanners.

Honeywell 1470g
Library note: Staff report that this scanner will scan older, yellowed/low-contrast barcodes better than some of the other scanners.

QuickScan Imager Black, KBW, USB, WAND, RS232 Scanner with USB cable (90A052044)

Unitech MS250
Library note: Trigger-type scanner that requires the scanner to be touching the smartphone prior to the trigger being pressed. They only cost around $40.

Unitech MS910
Library note: This is a wireless, bluetooth scanner, so may not be appropriate for all environments.

If the screen brightness is too low on a phone, or if the screen is smudged or cracked, a barcode scanner may not be able to read it.

Compatible Self-Check Kiosks

Bibliotheca Smart Serv 200 self-check kiosk

Non-Compatible Barcode Scanners

PINES libraries have reported that the following barcode scanners will not reliably scan patron barcodes from handheld devices.

Honeywell 1400

Honeywell/Metrologic MS9520 or MS9521

Honeywell/Metrologic VoyagerCG MS9540
(May work with some screens and apps, but not all)

Honeywell/Metrologic Fusion MS3780

Symbol LS2208

If you have any scanners to add to either of these lists, please email Terran McCanna (tmccanna@georgialibraries.org) with details.

Metrologic Barcode Scanner Issues

If your scanner is inserting a 'b' in front of the barcode and trailing a 'd,' then you will need to restore your scanner to its default properties.

Click here for instructions

Using Your Mobile Device as a Barcode Scanner

Depending on the type of mobile device you are using, you may be able to install a virtual keyboard app that will allow you to make use of your device's camera to scan barcodes.

One example is the Barcode & QR Code Keyboard developed by Nikola Antonov (available for Android through the Google Play store). Once it is installed, follow the instructions to authorize it to run on your device. To switch back and forth between different virtual keyboards, you can do so in your device's settings, or you should be able to click in a field to display the keyboard and then pull down your notifications bar at the top to see a “Select keyboard” message that will allow you to switch.

Once the virtual keyboard is installed, you can click in any field on a website to pull up the keyboard, then click on the barcode icon. This will launch the scanner - once it recognizes the item's barcode, it will enter the number into the field that you originally clicked on.