Barcode Scanning - Library

**_LG_** · 12-05-2011, 11:36 AM

I'm exploring the option of using excel to keep track of a small church library (<500 books/DVDs). I already have a barcode scanner, and I know that if I scan a barcode while my cursor is in a cell it will generate a series of numbers.... basically read the barcode. So I'm confident that I can scan a book or DVD's barcode to begin creating a library database.

Here's my question: After I've completed scanning in barcodes and creating a database, is there a formula or something I can use to program the excel spreadsheet so that it will find the item I am looking for when scanning a barcode? Basically... can i program it to function like library automation software? I want to be able to scan a barcode to find that book or DVD within in the database I've created so that I can record check in/out dates & information. Anyone know how to do this???

Thanks for any help/advice you can give!

**Fotis1991** · 12-05-2011, 11:55 AM

Ηι

I think you need, INDEX & MATCH functions

You create the database and then assuming that the numbers from Barcode is in column A, then in column B, you will come to describe.

Hope to helps you

Regards

**Sionos** · 05-15-2024, 06:37 AM

Hi All,

I have tried to play around with this but I do know that Sheets is different from Excel. But what I have attached, shows the barcode that automatically populates Column B when using a handheld scanner to build the library. Then when someone loans something, I put yes in Column C which populates Column D and in turn gives a return date in Column F. I am not sure how to remove the value in cell F3 for example which shows as 14 even when not loaned out, it would be great if that value was determined by Column C. Is there a way to highlight a cell in column F when the date goes beyond the expected return date so that I can then locate the lender to retrieve the item - perhaps as a separate box that is always on view, something like outstanding titles or something? I have downloaded the Sheets document into Excel to be able to upload here.

**AliGW** · 05-15-2024, 07:32 AM

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