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Version: 3.1.X

Barcode Configuration

ABCD includes a generator to print barcodes, spine labels, and inventory labels directly from the browser. You can print labels for a whole batch of items or individually while cataloging.

1. Enabling the Toolbar Icon​

To allow librarians to print a barcode for the current record immediately during data entry, you must activate specific parameters in the database configuration.

  1. Go to Administration > Database Maintenance > Edit dr_path.def.
  2. Select your database.
  3. Add or ensure the following lines are present:
barcode=Y
barcode1reg=Y

  • barcode=Y: Enables the barcode module for this database.
  • barcode1reg=Y: Shows the Barcode Icon in the Data Entry toolbar.

2. Configuration Parameters​

Before printing, you must define the physical layout. Access the configuration via Utilities > Barcodes > Configure.

This creates a file stored in bases/DB/pfts/lang/barcode.conf.

Inventory Number Logic​

To print barcodes effectively, the system needs to find your inventory numbers.

  • FST Prefix: The prefix used in your inverted file for inventory numbers (e.g., IN_ or NICLA_).
  • Formatting Script: A mini-format to standardize numbers (e.g., padding with zeros).
  • Example: if f(val(v900^n),1,0) = v900^n then replace(f(val(v900^n),5.0), ' ', '0') else v900^n fi
  • Result: Turns 123 into 00123 for correct sorting.

Label Dimensions​

You must measure your physical sticker sheet.

  • Label Height/Width: In centimeters.
  • Labels per row: e.g., 3 for a standard A4 sheet with 3 columns.

3. Display Format (PFT)​

You need to tell ABCD what to print on the label (Barcode image, Title, Call Number). This is done via a PFT script in the configuration text area.

Standard Template:

/* Header: Classification Number (Tag 82) */
if p(v82) then v82, fi, /

/* The Barcode Image */
/* Note: 'code' is the inventory number, usually v900^n */
'<img src="/central/dataentry/img/bar39.php?code=',v900^n,'&width=140&height=50">', /

/* Footer: Accession Number readable text */
v900^n

Types of Labels

You can configure 3 different types of outputs in the same menu:

Barcodes: The standard inventory sticker.

  1. Spine Labels (Lomos): For the book spine (Call number).
  2. Labels (Etiquetas): General purpose labels.

4. How to Print​

Option A: Batch Printing (Utilities)​

Use this to print labels for a range of books (e.g., "All books acquired this month").

  1. Go to Utilities > Barcodes.
  2. Choose By Inventory Range or By Search.
  3. Enter the range (e.g., 0001 to 0050).
  4. Click Print.

Option B: Single Record (Toolbar)​

Use this when processing a single book at your desk.

  1. Open the record in Data Entry.
  2. Click the Barcode Icon in the top toolbar.
  3. A popup will appear with the label for just that item.