- Use a quality printer – it is best to have a printed tag with a the bar code that can be easily scanned.
- Do not reduce the print size beyond a half page per tag. The smaller the bar code, the more difficult it could be to scan (compounded by the print quality).
After you have printed your tags you need to affix them to your items. This should be done in such a manner that it can be removed without damaging the item but secure enough that the tag will not get separated from the item accidentally.
- We have had good luck with painters tape – it seems to have about the right level of stickiness for most items.
- Very fragile, old, or more valuable/collectible items should NOT have the tag directly attached – instead the item should be in a box or (clear) bag and the tag affixed thereon.
- Please try and align the tag such that the barcode is not obscured and is in a “flat” area of the item.
To avoid damage to items and assist the staff with check-out, here are some suggestions on attaching tags to items.
- Boxed items or delicate books can have a strong rubber band or length of string put around it. Place the tag under the band/string, and then put a piece of tape over it onto the tag. This keeps the tape off the item, avoiding damage.
- Scotch tape or low-tack tape should be used.
- Anything still in shrink wrap can have the tag taped on anyplace (but recommend painters tape to avoid damaging the wrap).
- Magazine bags are recommended. Any item that will fit in one should be placed inside, and the tag taped to the outside.
- Books with slick covers (Palladium, for example) can have the tag taped on the cover. Please use scotch tape or low-tack tape for these.
