QR Codes in LibrariesMelanie Parlette
Conestoga College
Spring 2011
What are QR Codes
Quick Response Code 2 D Barcode
Stores more data than a traditional barcode
Been around since 1994
Free to use & create (although depending on your mobile phone plan, there may be fees when using
QR Code Data Capacity
Numeric Max. 7089 characters
Alphanumeric Max. 4296 characters
Max. 20 digits
QR Code – Wikipedia Page
How do QR Codes work? Scan with mobile phone camera
Can bring you to a number of places Website
Contact Details (vcard)
Phone Number
Text
Calendar Event
Google Maps Location
Social Media Site
YouTube Video
Wifi Network
Creating There are many free and paid QR creations sites out
there.
The more information on a QR code the harder it becomes to read.
For longer URLs, services like bit.ly can be helpful
Sites to create QR Codes Bit.ly and Goo.gl (also allow tracking)
http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/ (URLs, Messages, Phone Numbers, SMS, and Emails)
http://qrcode.kaywa.com/(URL, Text, Phone Number or SMS)
www.qrstuff.com (Lots of different data types and option to change foreground colour)
http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/ (calendar event, contact information, email address, geo location, phone number, SMS, UYRL, or Wifi network)
And More!
Phone Software There are a number of different readers available.
KAYWA Reader
i-nigma Reader
Lynkee Reader
UpCode
BeeTagg
http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-software/
Let’s you enter your mobile device and it will let you know what programs are available for it.
There are also online decoders available (By entering URL or Uploading the Image) (http://zxing.org/w/decode.jspx)
I have QR Code Scanner Pro – on a Blackberry Torch – It’s a free App
Does it really matter which one?
Not really - QR codes comply to an international standard (ISO/IEC 18004:2006)
Where do QR Codes fit in Libraries?
How do we explain what QR Codes are? Posters
Website
QR Scavenger Hunt
Where can we put QR Codes? Presentations
Printed Handouts
Catalogue
Signage
Link to parts of our website i.e. Campus Maps or Hours, electronic locations of items in catalogue (periodicals, Ebooks), Research and Subject Guides, multimedia and How-to’s
Feedback
First steps
Focus on research and exploring opportunities
Survey of Social Media – assessing Smartphone penetration
Keep initial outreach simple, potentially rolled out for Fall session
Integration of the physical with the virtual
Education
Tracking success
How do we know if people are using the QR codes? We need stats!
2 options we have investigated
Bit.ly (creates a code for you and gives you number of clicks)
Creating unique pages and using Google Analytics
Challenges
Equipment
Awareness Educating both internally and the community at large
Possible Network Charges
Main information still needs to be conveyed in conventional way
More QR Resources
QR Codes Project at University of Bath
7 Things You Should Know about QR Codes
The use of QR codes in Education: A Getting Started Guide for Academics
Thanks!Questions [email protected]
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