The document discusses how QR codes work by having information encoded in a square barcode that can be scanned by smartphone camera apps to access a web address, email, contact, or other online content. It provides examples of how libraries can use QR codes in different ways like linking new book displays to online catalog searches, adding codes to books to suggest related materials, and enhancing physical exhibits with additional online historical images and information. The document encourages libraries to be creative in using QR codes to engage patrons and enhance access to digital content.

1. QR CODES
Vince Dale – Lake Macquarie City Library

2. • A QR (Quick Response) code is a
square pictogram.
• Scan it using a barcode App via the
camera in a smartphone or iPad2.
• It will link to a web address, email,
SMS, phone no., contacts, map
reference, video etc.

3. • Search for “Free Online QR Code
Generators” or try onlineqrlab.com
• Google’s URL shortener goo.gl
generates QR codes, whose usage
can be tracked.
• Just add ‘.qr’ to the shortened URL
or view the URL details at goo.gl.

4. • Most barcode Apps recognize QR
codes, including Google Goggles.
• QR images can be printed, or
displayed on a computer screen as
an image.
• You can print it to a receipt printer!

5. • Australia has a high level of
smartphone use (60%+), and a
large and growing use of tablets.
• Adoption is possibly skewed
towards your younger users.

6. • I add a QR code pointing to our
catalogue search page on a poster
of Hot New Titles.
• You can create a page of title links
to specific search results in your
catalogue!

7. • You can add QR codes to the covers (or
inside) of popular new titles.
• Link to a page of other suggested authors
& titles, with link for placing online holds.
• You can add codes to award winners,
with more information about the author.

8. • Wikipedia has a QR code generator
for its articles – QRPedia.org.
• Enhance your displays with links to
local historical images & info.
• Add QR codes to a storytime book
linking to videos, pictures and info.

9. • Search “QR Codes in Museums” for
examples of enhancing physical
exhibits with online information.
• Use QR codes for scavenger hunts,
where each code is a clue to the
location of the next code.

10. • QR Codes have built in error
correction, up to 30 percent of the
area.
• Use an image editor to add visuals
to the code, such a logos.
• You can also use colours without
‘breaking’ the link.

11. • QR code usage is still in the
minority, but growing steadily.
• Ensure that you explain how it
works in your marketing.
• Use your imagination…

12. Vince Dale – Lake Macquarie City Library
bit.ly/LakemacQRCodes