This document discusses how libraries can use QR codes. It begins by explaining what QR codes are and how they work, storing large amounts of information in a barcode that can be scanned by smartphone cameras. It then provides many examples of how libraries are using QR codes, such as linking to audio books, research guides, maps and contact information. It encourages librarians to consider QR codes for instruction, events and promotions. While noting they may not be suitable for all users or purposes presently, the document advocates experimenting with QR codes and pedagogical uses.

1. QR CODES in LIBRARIES Castleton State College June 17, 2011 Karen McCalla Mill River Union School

2. The plan... What are QR Codes and how do they work? What can QR Codes do? What should librarians know? Sandbox time!

3. WHAT ARE QR CODES? http://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/2010/12/qr-code-at-glance-comic-tutorial.html

4. WHAT ARE QR CODES? WHAT IS THE INNOVATION ABOUT? Linear Maximum Capacity: 20 digits Source: http://www.jennerations.co.uk/foxandgoose/adobedocs/technical%20docs/What%20are%20barcodes.pdf

5. WHAT ARE QR CODES? WHAT IS THE INNOVATION ABOUT?

6. WHAT ARE QR CODES? HOW DO QR CODES STORE INFORMATION? Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:QR_Code_Structure_Example.svg

7. MAKING TAGS START WITH A QR CODE GENERATOR Google URL Shortener: http://goo.gl/ + .qr (allows you to monitor analytics) http://delivr.com/ (preformatted “flyers” - take seconds to create) http://invx.com/ http://goqr.me/ http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-generator/ http://www.qrstuff.com/(pick a color to customize your code) http://qrcode.kaywa.com(choose a size for your finished code) SAVE THE QR CODE AS AN IMAGE USE IT IN WHATEVER DOCUMENT, POSTER, FLYER, BOOKMARK, STICKER OR TATTOO YOU’RE CREATING

8. MAKING TAGS

9. USING TAGS Instant Decoding Snap a Picture Position it A Mobile Device with a Camera, QR Code Reading Software and Internet Access Image Courtesy of RenataCurty, http://www.slideshare.net/recurty/qr-codes-libraries-i-schoolfall2010

10. QR CODE APPLICATIONS

11. QR CODE APPLICATIONS Want to check inside? Want more Information about where your food comes from? Want to check the evaluations or reviews about a restaurant? Locate yourself!

12. QR CODES IN LIBRARIES Libraries? SURE! Technology to inform

14. 65-70% Mill River students have mobile devices capable of getting to the web, according to my very unsophisticated surveying

15. Speak Up 2010-11 Data – nationwide, 44% of students in grades 9-12 have smart phones

16. not impacted by socio-economic indicators (urban vs. rural, Title 1 or Free and Reduced Lunch)

17. Research by Ball State University’s Institute for Mobile Media Research indicates that the use of cell phones is nearly universal on college campuses – 99.8 %

18. 49 % of college students use a smart phone More at: http://www.bsudailynews.com/ball-state-study-shows-college-students-smartphone-usage-rising-1.2275899

19. QR CODES IN LIBRARIES

20. QR CODES IN LIBRARIES

21. QR CODES IN LIBRARIES

22. QR CODES IN LIBRARIES Microsoft’s Tag works much the same way as a QR Code, but Microsoft’s proprietary software is necessary to create and decode the tags

23. QR CODES IN LIBRARIES

25. Link to book trailers or read-alikes right from the book itself.

26. Post QR codes by study rooms. Students would be able to check the availability of a study room, and then bookit from their mobile device.

27. QR codes in the stacks could bring up a list of pathfinders on topics related to books in the call number range area.

28. QR codes in the stacks could show where the ebooks would be on the shelves.

30. QR code to the online Ask a Librarian site could be posted at the physical reference desk and at all public access computer workstations.

31. Library tours – QR codes can be placed in different areas of the library so visitors can access information relevant to that particular space. Audio tours can also be provided this way.

33. Link to a web page associated with an event by placing a QR code for the web page on the event's poster.

34. QR Codes can be posted at desks to advertise serviceslike laptop checkout, account access, and online resources.

35. Librarians can tag pre-formatted, tailored searchesfor events and exhibits.

36. Add QR codes to posters, flyers, and other library instructional or promotional materials.

39. Not all students will have the required devices and software

40. Information still needs to be provided in a conventional way

42. QR CODES IN LIBRARIES SANDBOX!

43. MORE READING… QR Codes on the Library Success Best Practices Wiki http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=QR_Codes Educause Learning’s “7 Things You Should Know About QR Codes”: http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7046.pdf Syracuse University’s Bird Library QR Codes Guide: http://researchguides.library.syr.edu/content.php?pid=133336&sid=1143435 University of Huddersfield Digital Repository (Articles about Mobile Library Technology & QR Codes) http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/view/authors/Walsh=3AAndrew=3A=3A.html A Mobile Bridge: QR Codes and Libraries http://joemurphylibraryfuture.com/a-mobile-bridge-qr-codes-and-libraries-webcast/

44. MORE READING… Technology in Practice: Guided by Barcodes http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/columns/practice/guided-barcodes Musings about Librarianship – QR Codes http://musingsaboutlibrarianship.blogspot.com/2010/02/qr-codes-for-libraries-some-thoughts.html ACRL News article on QR Codes http://crln.acrl.org/content/71/10/526.full QR Codes in the Classroom http://qrcode.es/?p=350&language=en Librarian by Design – QR Codes http://librarianbydesign.blogspot.com/2010/07/qr-codes-in-libraries.html Alternative to QR codes - Microsoft Tags: http://tag.microsoft.com/consumer/index.aspx

45. WANT THE SLIDES? Please access this QR Code to download slides from this presentation: Alternative link: http://www.slideshare.net/kmccalla/qr-codes-csc

46. Image courtesy of LetterJames.com