How to Manage Books with ISBN Barcodes

The barcode on the back of a book holds its ISBN. Instead of copying each number by hand, you can scan them and use the results as the base of a book list.

Reading an ISBN Barcode

Some books show two stacked barcodes.

• Top: the ISBN, 13 digits starting with 978 or 979
• Bottom: an additional code such as price or category

To identify the book, scan the top one.

How to Build a Book List with Barcode Reader X

With the iPhone app Barcode Reader X, scanned ISBNs are kept in history and can be exported.

1. Scan the ISBN barcode
2. Tap the blue circle button to save it to history
3. Continue with the next book
4. Choose CSV or Excel from the export menu

Add columns such as title, purchase date, or shelf location, and the export becomes a simple catalog.

Looking Up a Single Book

Tap the info button in the list to open the details, then hand the number to a search service when you want to check the title or contents.

Tips for Scanning Many Books

• Flatten the cover or jacket before scanning
• Hold the barcode horizontally in the frame
• Change the angle slightly if the cover reflects light

Notes

• Older books may not carry an ISBN barcode
• Follow the rules of libraries and bookstores about photography

Learn more about Barcode Reader X

Related guides:

• How to Search for a Product by Its Barcode
• How to Manage Barcode Scan History in Excel
• What to Do When a Barcode Will Not Scan