QR codes allow for more information storage than traditional barcodes. They are increasingly being used by libraries to provide digital links and additional content related to physical materials through scanning a QR code. Examples of library QR code uses include providing links to online resources, events calendars, instructional videos, and digital versions of materials. QR codes can be created using free online generators and considering the code size, clarity, and context of its display is important for usability.

1. QR Codes and Libraries
Katrina L. Miday
Library Consultant
State Library of Ohio
What are QR Codes?
QR Codes, short for Quick Response Codes, are two-dimensional
barcodes that instead of being traditional multiple-bar layout, they
appear as a pixilated square. They are being used more frequently for a
variety of reasons.
Traditional Multiple-Bar QR Code
Barcodes are used because they are easily and quickly read by scanners
and provide a great deal of accuracy and functionality. As barcodes
have become more popular, barcode users have needed to store more
information with them. (For example ISBN switched from 10 to 13 digits in
2007.)
Multiple-bar barcodes only store data in one direction; QR Codes allow
information to be stored vertically as well as horizontally, allowing a great
deal more information to be held in them. Conventional multiple-bar
codes can only store a maximum of approximately 20 digits. QR codes
on the other hand can hold numeric, alphabetic, symbols, binary, control
codes and other data; up to 7,089 characters in one barcode.
QR codes can store numbers, text, hyperlinks, bookmarks, contact
information, calendar information, email addresses, phone numbers, SMS
text information, Geo locations and maps, social network information,
and much more.
QR Codes and Libraries 1
Katrina Miday, Library Consultant
State Library of Ohio
06/23/2011

2. Along with storing a large amount of data QR Codes can display
information in a variety of sizes and resolutions depending on how the
code will be used. QR Codes will also work up to 30% of the time when
partially damaged, unlike “multi-bar” barcodes which become
unreadable.
Reading QR Codes
Reading and using QR codes is limited to people who own smartphones
or other mobile devices with cameras and a barcode scanning app. If
you own such a device and would like to get started, go to your device’s
app store, and download a barcode scanner, there are free and paid
versions.
http://news.cnet.com/qr-code-readers-for-iphone
http://2d-code.co.uk/qr-code-readers/
http://gizmodo.com/5713768/the-best-barcode-scanner-apps
http://www.theitechblog.com/1552/11-best-qr-bar-code-reader-scanner-
apps-android/
http://socialwayne.com/2010/08/30/code-reader-iphone-apps/
(These are in no way an endorsement of individual applications, just a
place for you to start to investigate and research yourself.)
Once you have your app installed, find a QR Code to scan. Like this one:
With most apps, after you scan the QR Code it asks what you want to do
with the information, depending on the type of information it holds. The
QR Code you just scanned should have opened an email addressed to
me, or asked if you wanted to send me one.
QR Codes and Libraries 2
Katrina Miday, Library Consultant
State Library of Ohio
06/23/2011

3. Utilizing QR Codes
QR Codes are used in the same way conventional barcodes have been,
but are now also being used to link people to a plethora of information
with a simple scan. They appear on a variety of products, advertisements,
websites, and they are even being used by realtors, appearing in
people’s front lawns.
Starbucks uses QR codes in their mobile application
for Starbucks Cards. Instead of handing the barista a
card, customers can now open the app on their
phone and allow the barista to scan the QR Code
that appears. Starbucks also, in partnership with Lady
Gaga, held a scavenger hunt in their stores utilizing
QR codes. Customers would scan the codes around
the store and the first customers to solve the puzzles
won prizes.
Other Examples
• United Airlines uses them as digital boarding passes.
• Google provides a QR Code to your business’ Google Places page
when you register your business with Google Places.
• Art galleries and museum exhibits are using them to display
information about the piece or exhibit.
• Barnes & Noble includes them on brochures to lead customers to
their nook mobile Application.
Use in Libraries
Many libraries have begun to integrate QR
Codes into their library services.
Hyperlinks
Libraries can do many things with simple
hyperlink QR Code:
• Link to the mobile version of the website
• Link to videos the library has created
o Video interviews of the staff
o Book commercials
o How-to videos
• Display links on physical materials to digital materials
o Add links to the stacks to collections of online resources
QR Codes and Libraries 3
Katrina Miday, Library Consultant
State Library of Ohio
06/23/2011

4. o Display QR codes to online databases for journals and articles
o Put QR codes directly on materials to link to book reviews,
movie trailers and more.
o Add QR Codes directly to books to link to the digital versions
of the titles
• QR code generators can
create calendar events
that patrons can add to
their personal calendars on
their devices
o Add QR codes to
event posters
o Add them to your
online calendar so
patrons can add
them to their phones
and devices quickly
and easily
• Open a text message to
the library
• Integrate the codes into
scavenger hunts within the
library
How to create a QR Code
To create QR Codes yourself you http://on.fb.me/lPvfJo
will need a computer with an
internet connection, and knowledge how to save an image from the
internet, and then add that image to documents or print it out.
1. Use a QR Code Generator to create your barcode
2. Scan the barcode to make sure the data appears how you would
like it to and does what it was intended to do
3. Save or print the QR Code image that is created for your
information
4. Place the QR Code image within documents, or add it to physical
items
Things to consider while creating the QR Code:
• Size
o Where are you going to display the barcode?
o Will the image be large enough to scan?
QR Codes and Libraries 4
Katrina Miday, Library Consultant
State Library of Ohio
06/23/2011

5. • Clarity
o Will the barcode be easily readable by a mobile device at
the size you are creating it at?
o Example, which is a better choice?
All three of these QR Codes link to the same URL, but each has a different
version or density, and each has a different level of error correction. If you
were to display the QR Code at the displayed size, the first would be most
easily scanned, and the last would most likely not work for most devices.
• Use, how will the QR Code be displayed?
o Will it be on a poster that a person can walk up to and scan
the barcode?
o Will it be on a large sign a person
would not be near (a banner,
billboard, directional sign)
o On a website
Make the QR Code as simple as possible for
the amount of information you are storing.
All of the items above should influence how
you create your QR Code. Remember, if a
person can’t scan it, they will not have
access to the information it provides.
QR Code Generators
There are many QR Code generators
available, the one you will use depends on
what type of information you would like the
barcode to hold, and what you plan on doing with it once generated.
QR Codes and Libraries 5
Katrina Miday, Library Consultant
State Library of Ohio
06/23/2011

6. 1. Choose the type of data you would like the barcode to store.
a. The types of data allowed depends on the generator you are
using, some are very basic, others allow you to store almost
anything.
2. Enter your data.
3. Choose your QR Code settings
a. Size
i. This is usually the actual size of the image generated.
Some sites display in pixels, others have a simple small,
medium, or large choice.
b. Version
i. Most generators automatically chose what version to
use, or simply give you no choice.
ii. When you do have a choice, what you should choose
depends on what you are storing with the barcode.
iii. Further explanation of QR Code versions can be found
here: http://www.denso-wave.com/qrcode/qrgene2-
e.html
c. Encoding
i. This usually refers to the type of information you will be
storing, for most things, choosing the default setting or
allowing the generator to choose is fine.
d. Error Correction
i. This setting sets the level of barcode correction; if it is
damaged if it can still be read.
ii. You would change this setting depending on how the
barcode will be used or how damaged it may become
over time.
Here are three basic web-based generators, but do further research to
find one that fits all your needs.
QR Generator
http://qrcode.good-survey.com/
This site is very easy to use. It allows you to encode
text, hyperlinks, bookmarks, contact information,
calendar events, email, phone numbers, SMS (texting),
geo location and maps, social networks, iPhone and
Andriod information (links to apps, market, reviews),
and wifi network information. You can then also set the size of the image
created, padding, version, encoding, colors, error correction. It then
allows you to download the QR Code in BMP, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, GIF, SVG,
XAML, EPS, HTML, ASCII, and zip bulk formats.
QR Codes and Libraries 6
Katrina Miday, Library Consultant
State Library of Ohio
06/23/2011

7. Quafter
http://keremerkan.net/qr-code-and-2d-code-
generator/
This generator allows you to store a vast variety of
information than the standard hyperlink or email
information. Some of the more unusual information
stored are Foursquare venue URL, sent a tweet,
YouTube URLs, and formatted text, just to name a few. It also allows you
to create micro QR Codes (not all scanners can scan this type), set the
size, colors, and output type and error correction levels.
QR Stuff
http://www.qrstuff.com/
This one lets you include a variety of information
including Paypal “Buy Now” link information, social
media information and more. It also lets you set the
color of the barcode, but it does not allow you to set
the size, resolution or encoding, and forces you to sign
up for an account (free) for other advanced settings.
Resources:
“About 2D Code,” Denso Wave Inc., accessed June
15, 2011, http://www.denso-
wave.com/qrcode/aboutqr-e.html.
Gwyneth A. Jones “Cool QR Codes in the Classroom
and Library,” The Daring School Library Blog, December
16, 2010, accessed June 16, 2011, http://mhms-
media.blogspot.com/2010/12/cool-qr-codes-in-
classroom-library.html.
QR Codes and Libraries 7
Katrina Miday, Library Consultant
State Library of Ohio
06/23/2011

8. Jamie Turner, “2-D Codes: The 10 Commandments for
Marketers,” Mashable, January 28, 2011, accessed
June 15, 2011, http://mashable.com/2011/01/28/qr-
code-business-tips/.
Jamie Turner, “HOW TO: Grow Your Sales and Revenue
Using 2D Codes,” Mashable, February 18, 2011,
accessed June 15, 2011,
http://mashable.com/2011/02/18/2d-codes-for-
business/.
Jeff Korhan, “How QR Codes Can Grow Your Business,”
Social Media Examiner, February 7, 2011, accessed
June 15, 2011,
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-qr-codes-
can-grow-your-business/.
Jennifer Van Grove, “Starbucks & Lady Gaga Team Up
On Scavenger Hunt,” Mashable, May 19, 2011,
accessed June 15, 2011,
http://mashable.com/2011/05/19/srch/.
Jolie O’Dell, “Who’s Really Scanning All Those QR
Codes? [INFOGRAPHIC],” Mashable, March 4, 2011,
accessed June 15, 2011,
http://mashable.com/2011/03/04/qr-codes-
infographic/.
QR Codes and Libraries 8
Katrina Miday, Library Consultant
State Library of Ohio
06/23/2011

9. Robin Ashford, “QR Codes and Academic Libraries:
Reaching mobile users,” College and Research Library
News, vol. 71 no. 10 (2010): 526-30,
http://crln.acrl.org/content/71/10/526.full.
Todd Wasserman, “Picasso Exhibit Gets Interactive With
QR Codes & Augmented Reality [PICS],” Mashable,
February 10, 2011, accessed June 15, 2011,
http://mashable.com/2011/02/10/qr-codes-picasso/.
“What does it mean to be human,” Smithsonian
Institution, accessed June 15, 2011,
http://humanorigins.si.edu/resources/multimedia/mobil
e-apps.
“Where in the Library is Carmen Sandiego?: An
Interactive Library Mystery Game”, Lafayette College
Library, last updated September 6, 2010, accessed
June 15, 2011,
http://library.lafayette.edu/carmensandiego.
Image Sources:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/halfhollowhills/4504965499/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25095603@N07/5021688103/in/set-
72157625028207818
QR Codes were created by the author using a QR Generator:
http://qrcode.good-survey.com/
QR Codes and Libraries 9
Katrina Miday, Library Consultant
State Library of Ohio
06/23/2011

10. Additional Reading:
QR tags and mobile 'phones in the library
http://librarymobiles.blogspot.com/2009/10/extreme-makeover-
transforming-face-of.html
Why QR Codes Will Go Mainstream [OPINION]
http://mashable.com/2011/03/08/mainstream-qr-codes/
QR codes for libraries - some thoughts
http://musingsaboutlibrarianship.blogspot.com/2010/02/qr-codes-for-
libraries-some-thoughts.html
HOW TO: Use QR Codes for Small Business Marketing
http://mashable.com/2010/06/23/qr-codes-small-biz/
HOW TO: Use QR Codes for Event Marketing
http://mashable.com/2011/02/22/qr-code-event-marketing/
5 Unique Uses for QR Codes http://mashable.com/2009/01/07/qr-codes/
HOW TO: Create and Deploy Your Own QR Codes
http://mashable.com/2010/08/23/how-to-create-qr-codes/
QR Code Generators Online http://2d-code.co.uk/qr-code-generators/
QR Code and 2d Barcode Readers http://2d-code.co.uk/qr-code-
readers/
“Staff QR Code Posters” Delaware County District Library, last updated
May 15, 2011, accessed June 15, 2011,
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.222388107787338.74586.130
204850338998.
QR Codes and Libraries 10
Katrina Miday, Library Consultant
State Library of Ohio
06/23/2011