>
>         Lots of books already have a bar code on the back cover.  One
> that I just looked at SEEMS to be related to the ISBN number... but is
> not it exactly.  Might be nice to use the existing numbering system and
> bar codes, though this would not allow you to keep track of individual
> copies of duplicate sets.

Many (most) trade books have a UPC number assigned to them. Most
libraries use one of the inventory style barcodes either CODE39 or I2of5.

CODE39 is a character oriented barcode that is alpha-numeric. I2of5 is
numeric only. If I had to choose one from scratch I would use CODE39 it
is easy to read, doesn't need much buffer space and easy to print on
stick on labels. Even commercial wands are low cost. Some of the HP
HEDS 3000 series wands are $5 or so in a surplus shop and maybe
$75-$100 new.


Walter Banks