Define a patron barcode format

Tip:
To produce more consistent barcode messages in Polaris, define both item and patron barcodes.

Note:
The Polaris API does not support the plus symbol (+) in barcodes.

To define a patron barcode format:

1. In the Administration Explorer tree view, open the Profiles folder for the organization, and select the Staff Client tab in the details view.
2. Double-click Barcodes: Patron format definition.



3. In the Length box, specify the total number of characters required in the barcode, including the prefix:
• To require a specific number of characters, type a number from 1 to 20.
• Type * if the barcode can be any length.
4. In the Prefix box, type the characters that can begin a valid barcode:
• Type any character or sequence of characters that uniquely identifies the barcode type, except the plus symbol.  
• Type * to accept any character as the prefix.

  Note:
  At the system level, you can define a prefix and length combination to set as the default format. See Set up significant digits for patron barcodes.

5. Click Add to put the definition in the Current Formats list.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 for every barcode format used for the type.
7. Click OK. The Patron Barcode Formats dialog box closes.