I wonder if libraries that have eliminated check-in or are considering it
have tried scanning the SICI (Serial Item and Contribution Identifier)
barcode to speed serial check-in?   Here is some helpful background
discussion on the NISO SICI bar-code format from the SERIALST archives:

Steve Black, Aug 12, 2004 (barcodes and check-in)
http://list.uvm.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0408&L=SERIALST&P=R5794&I=-3

Regina Reynolds, July 31, 2001 (Serial check-in using SICI barcode?)
http://list.uvm.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0107&L=SERIALST&P=R6577&I=-3

Jennifer van Sickle, July 31, 2001 (Serial check-in using SICI barcode?)
http://list.uvm.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0107&L=SERIALST&P=R6831&I=-3

Deej Baker, July 31, 2001 (Serial check-in using SICI barcode?)
http://list.uvm.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0107&L=SERIALST&P=R6929&I=-3

The ALA ALCTS Serials Standards Bibliography comments positively about the
NISO standard ANSI/NISO Z39.56-1996 , "Using the SICI barcode can
dramatically improve serials check-in and is cost effective because scanning
the SICI barcode makes serials check-in accurate and fast."
http://www.ala.org/ala/alctscontent/alctspubsbucket/webpublications/alctsserials/serialsstandards/nisostandards.htm

Maybe the solution to the numbers problem that leads to eliminating check-in
can be found in process improvement.  True, you need check-in software that
uses the SICI barcode format and works, and more publishers may need to
print the SICI barcode on print serials.  However, the NISO standard exists
to improve the check-in process, and according to Regina Reynolds (see
above) with the National Serials Data Program (NSDP) at the Library of
Congress, "The NSDP is in a position to encourage publishers to print the
SICI barcode if it is a useful check-in tool."

I suggest that scanning the SICI barcode to speed check-in should be
seriously considered before eliminating check-in.

Merle Colglazier
info@pubzilla.com
http://www.pubzilla.com