Methods and apparatus for switching between scan patterns produced by a barcode scanner and for switching between allowing and inhibiting decoding of barcodes are disclosed. Depending on the position of a multiposition switch controlled by an operator, the scanner produces an omnidirectional scan pattern and immediately decodes barcodes falling within the field of view of the scanner, produces a single line scan pattern but inhibits decoding of barcodes until the switch is moved to a position to select allowing decoding of barcodes, or produces a single line scan pattern and immediately decodes barcodes falling within the field of view of the scanner. If the scanner has been set to decode barcodes using a single line scan pattern, a delay is imposed between the time the switch is set to select producing an omnidirectional scan pattern and the time at which the scanner begins to produce the omnidirectional scan pattern.