Smart barcode numbers are assigned by computer on the basis of copy and volume holdings appearing in a machine-readable record. Smart barcodes are assigned after records have been converted. Dumb barcodes are less expensive in tape processing and label production costs, but possibly more expensive when staff time is considered, because your staff will have to manually link each barcode with the corresponding record. These barcodes can be administered at random throughout the collection, as part of preconversion inventory or postconversion circulation. Dumb barcodes are manually linked to database item records.
Libraries adding barcode numbers to records during conversion usually add dumb barcodes.
To minimize the physical handling of materials, you should perform labeling, barcoding, and related activities at the same time. The product of your retrospective conversion, your database, is going to be an important asset for your library long after your current local system is replaced. Having a high-quality database is crucial to the successful implementation of your local system. If the data has been improperly prepared, even the most advanced local system will be affected. For guidance, consult with the local system vendor about the system's data requirements.