Date: Mon, 31 Oct 1994 17:52:37 GMT-660
From: Peter Tan <PETERT@LIBRARY.LIB.RMIT.EDU.AU>

Dear Vikki,

At RMIT for our Periodicals Usage System we use a portable bar-code
reader fron Nippondenso Model No. BHT20061 with a communications and
charging unit Model No. CU2060. The bar-code reader sits on a cradle
of the communications unit when uploading, and in turn is connected to
our 486 IBM Compatible PC via a serial cable. The Usage system
using Paradox relational database software is mounted on our server
and is accessible to all staff in any of our campuses.

We have had no problems so far since we upgraded from an EPSON EHT10
touch screen bar-code reader to the present one from January this
year. The bar-code reader has rechargeable batteries and can read
quite wide barcodes. Before the periodicals are reshelved we use the
reader to wand the barcode of the title and there are 27 barcodes on
a page in Dewey Number order and the pages are held in sheets of A4
plastic photocopying pockets in a folder. There is a partial
reprint facility of the barcodes when new ones need to be inserted
into the sequence. The data is uploaded daily by placing the reader
on the cradle of the communications unit. The Paradox script imports,
aggregates the usage data and updates the Usage and the Main Catalog
database automatically.

When we call up any title the usage figures summarised by year appear
instantly together with other data like, Campus code, Title Name,
Call No, Department Codes, Order No, Supplier Code, Current/Non
Current Title Code, Date last Used, Date barcode last printed, Date
Record was last edited and initials of the person who last edited the
record.

We use the figures to support our annual periodical cancellation
exercise of high priced and low use titles and collection management
budget.

Good luck in your periodicals use study.

Peter Tan
Deputy Serials Librarian