Barcode, also called barcode, is composed of a group of lines with different widths, black and white, parallel and adjacent, and is equipped with a code record composed of corresponding characters to express some information. The meaning of a set of regularly arranged bars and spaces in bar code: bars are the parts with low reflectivity in bar code, that is, black or colored stripes; Empty is the part with high reflectivity in the bar code, that is, the white or colorless stripe part. Bar code is an automatic identification technology, and it is a special code that uses photoelectric scanning reading equipment to input data to the computer. This code includes product name, specification, price and so on. First, the use function of bar code (a) automatic reading and recognition. As long as the label of the bar code is scanned with a scanning reader, the computer can automatically read and identify, determine the code of the goods, then find the price, do accumulation and so on. , summary settlement, output the total amount. It is fast and accurate. (two) the classification, summary and analysis of commodity sales information is conducive to the smooth operation and management activities. (3) The sales information can be fed back to the production unit in time through the computer network, so as to reduce the time-space difference of information transmission between production, supply and sales. 2. EAN barcode EAN is the abbreviation of European article code and ean international. The member countries (or regions) participating in the association are called EAN member countries (or regions), and the codes of EAN bar codes are stipulated respectively. EAN barcode is universal commodity bar code. EAN barcode consists of a 12 digit product code and a check code. The first three digits of 12 are the prefix number, the middle four digits are the manufacturer code, representing an enterprise, and the last five digits are the product code. III. Barcode used in publications The barcode code used in publications is EAN 13. The book barcode prefix code of ISBN system is "978", and the periodical barcode prefix code of 1SBN system is "977". Bar codes of publications are generally printed in the lower left corner of the back cover (or cover) of books (periodicals), and the bar code direction is parallel (or vertical) to the spine of the book. You can also print the barcode in the lower left corner of the second cover as required. When the spine is on the right, the bar code should be printed in the lower right corner of the back cover (or cover), and the bar code direction is parallel (or vertical) to the spine, or it can be printed in the upper right corner of the second cover. Four. The use of bar codes in publications (1) is beneficial for publishing and distribution departments to establish a nationwide distribution information network. (two) is conducive to the publishing unit to grasp the sales information in time, understand the sales trend, improve management. (3) It is conducive to enhancing the competitiveness of publications in the international market. (4) It is beneficial for the library to manage publications by computer. (5) Providing technical means for publication management institutions to strengthen publication management. (6) curbing illegal publishing activities. (7) It is beneficial to the application of POS sales network management system in bookstore outlets.