Apparently barcodes on books bug EVERYONE! I’ve been getting emails and comments and even linked to other blogs because of my barcode post. Cool!

What I found out, much to my disappointment, is that many libraries seem to do it however works best for them and there is no uniform placement. That makes it pretty hard for me or a single writer to go to publishers and say, “Look, leave this spot blank for the barcode.”and actually have them listen, rather than laugh in my face!

On the other hand, a fairly simple solution would be for the American Library Association to come up with a standard recommended spot for the barcode and then let publishers know that libraries have agreed to use this particular spot on a book. The designers could use this knowledge or ignore it.

After reading all the comments and emails, my personal recommendation is either the top right or top left corner of the front of the book. As one librarian pointed out, patrons lay their books down face-up. If the barcode is on the back, then the librarian has to flip each book over. May not sound like a big deal, but if you’re talking hundreds or even a thousand books a day, it’s a lot of extra work. So if you belong to the ALA and you think this might be of interest to them, feel free to link to this post or drop them a note.

You can read all the comments and emails I’ve received so far here. I thought about taking up the gauntlet, organizing a barcode revolution, posting pictures of book covers ruined by barcodes, but frankly, I’d rather write. Still…at least I’ve gotten this off my chest!