Frequently Asked Questions

 What is the difference between Teslin and PVC?

  1. Digitally printed, synthetic laminated construction cards, available in 20, 25 & 30 mil thicknesses (with 30 mil thickness comparable to a credit card).  This construction is more flexible than a standard PVC card but is almost as durable and just as waterproof.  The benefits/considerations of this construction are as follows:
    1. Due to the fact that it is digitally printed, it is less expensive for small quantity card orders (5,000 cards and less)
    2. Again, due to the fact that it is digitally printed, the number of colours printed makes no difference to the cost.  You can print a full colour photo at the same cost as a 1 colour logo.
    3. Turnaround is much faster than PVC. Standard turnaround is 5-10 days from proof approval.
    4. Sequential bar coding and / or numbering is available as a no cost option
    5. Available with clear gloss laminate or writable matte laminate on either side
    6. Magnetic stripe option not available for this construction
    7. Our digitally printed, laminated card products are constructed with a virtually indestructible synthetic Teslin mid-ply
    8. A sequential bar code is protected under a laminate so it will not wear or fade
    9. Our digital print technology allows us to provide low minimum order quantities at a low cost
    10. Choose from 3 optional thicknesses - 20mil, 25mil and 30mil.  30mil thickness is comparable to a credit card, 20mil thickness is thin and wallet friendly
  1. Standard plastic, 30 mil PVC construction cards. The benefits/considerations of this construction are as follows:
    1. Due to the fact that these cards are press printed, true pantone and or metallic colours can be printed not just digital CYMK equivalents
    2. Card are more rigid and may feel more “substantial” when compared to a 30 mil thickness version of the digital laminated construction
    3. Due to setup and plate costs, the cost for small quantities of this card construction is relatively high.  However, for larger volume requirements, this card construction can be more cost competitive.
    4. Supplied with a standard glossy finish but signature panels can be added to either side
    5. Standard turnaround for this type of card construction is longer and can range anywhere from 3-4 weeks from proof approval dependent upon volume

For both construction options, we provide basic design setup and unlimited proofing at no cost to the customer.

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What are bar codes?

A bar code is simply a way of representing data through a series of machine-readable bars and spaces.  When this pattern of bars and spaces is scanned, the elements that make up the symbol give a reflective (a space) or non-reflective (a bar) response that the bar code reader converts into a readable character code message.

 How do they work?

The characters that make up a bar code are not much different than the characters of the font that is used to display the words you are reading right now.  In both cases, each character is signified as a dark shape against a light background and put together in a specific order, they form an intelligible message.  The difference is that the bars and spaces that compose a bar code simply provide the easiest and most accurate format for recognition by scanning device.
BASIC BAR CODE TERMS & ELEMENTS
 

Bar Code Symbology

A bar code symbology is analogous to a type of language.  Although there are many types of bar code symbologies in use, the three symbologies most often used for library systems are Code 3 of 9, Codabar and Interleaved 2 of 5.  Many software systems can recognize multiple symbologies but some older systems require a specific type.

Start & Stop Characters

These are special characters found at the beginning and end of the bar code symbol that indicate to the bar code reader when the encoded message starts and stops.  These characters are symbology specific and can be helpful in trying to determine what type of bar code is in use.

Quiet Zone

The bar code's quiet zone is a clear space, containing no dark marks, which precedes the start character of the bar code symbol and follows the stop characters. Scanners require quiet zones for successful decoding. The loss of the quiet zones due to poor alignment of the bar code on the stock or the misalignment of stock in the printer can make the bar code unreadable.

Check Digit

The bar code check digit is a character (usually a number) included within a bar code symbol (usually the last number) which is used to ensure the accuracy of the read and validity of the number.  This number is based on a mathematical algorithm generated from the other numbers in the bar code.  Most libraries used a 14 digit bar code with the last digit being the check digit.  Most libraries use a standard MOD 10 or a MOD 43 check digit.

You will notice that if you ignore the last number on each label then each bar code on the label sheet is sequential. When you provide a start number for printing purposes, we expect a 13 digit number and we will automatically generate the check digit as long as we know the check digit type.  When providing numbering information you can represent a check digit value by simply using an "X" as a placeholder.  For example, 3 1234 56789012 X

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 LIBRARIAN QUICK CHECK ORDERING GUIDE

  • What is the required bar code type or symbology?
  • What is the required start number? For new customers, please make sure there will be no duplication of numbers with your current inventory. For our existing customers, we manage the  numbering ranges from previous orders in order to avoid any duplication problems.
  • What is the total number of characters in the bar code?
  • What are the start and stop characters? (Codabar only)
  • Is there a check digit? If this is not a standard check digit, what is the check sum algorithm?
  • Are there any special requirements or formatting?
  • What label item type do you require? ie.) Singles, Pairs, Two-Part.  Please ask for assistance or a copy of our product guide if you are unsure of our item number.
  • For new customers, please supply a sample of a current bar code label.  We can generally determine all the necessary information with a clear sample that shows at least 4 bar codes.  A scanned and emailed sample is preferable but a faxed or photocopied sample is also usually fine as long as it is as clear and as large as possible.
  • We are happy to provide a PDF proof of the bar codes prior to production for testing upon request. The proof can be printed on a decent laser printer and then scanned and tested for compatibility with the library automation system and to ensure no number duplication problems.