5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Library Scanner

In the past year, we’ve upgraded and added several scanners to our elementary and secondary libraries. Choosing the right scanner involves considering various factors to ensure they meet the needs of our library, students, and school community.

Here are my top five tips for selecting a new scanner for your library:

1. Compatibility

Ensure the scanner is compatible with your library’s software and barcode symbology. Modern scanners are programmable and configurable. Vendors like Follett understand library needs and ship scanners preprogrammed and ready to use, ensuring seamless integration with your systems.

2. User-Friendliness

User-friendly scanners are crucial, especially in educational settings. Consider the ease of setup, operation, and maintenance. Your scanner should be easy to use for daily tasks and larger projects like inventory and weeding. A user-friendly scanner minimizes training time and maximizes efficiency.

3. Flexibility and Portability 

Think about how and where you will use the scanner. Do you need it to be mobile for inventory or to set up a self-checkout station for students? Portability is important as scanners often need to be moved between locations or around the library. A portable scanner makes it easier to bring the scanner to the books rather than the books to the scanner.

4. Warranty and Support

Evaluate the warranty and support options offered by the vendor. A good warranty provides peace of mind in case of malfunctions or defects. Support from a partner like Follett, who understands school libraries and their needs, is invaluable for troubleshooting and maintenance.

5. Budget

The budget allocated for the scanner will impact your options. Determine your budget and identify scanners that offer the best value for the funds available. It’s important to balance cost with features and support to ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment.

Additionally, I set up a self-checkout station this fall with our new scanners from Follett. You can read about how I did it here. 

By considering these tips, you can make informed decisions when purchasing a scanner that best suits the needs of your library and community. Looking to purchase a new scanner? Start here!

Shannon McClintock Miller
Innovation Director of Instructional Technology and Library Media
Van Meter Community School
Van Meter, Iowa

Shannon McClintock Miller is the Innovation Director of Instructional Technology and Library Media at Van Meter Community School in Van Meter, Iowa. She is also the Future Ready Librarians Spokesperson working with librarians, educators and students around the world every day as an international speaker, consultant and author who has a passion for education, librarianship, advocacy, technology, social media and making a difference in the world and lives of others, especially children. Shannon brings a special expertise and vision to conversations around school libraries, education, technology, creativity and student voice. Learn more about Shannon on her award-winning blog, The Library Voice. Follow her on Twitter @shannonmmiller.