QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can store large amounts of data and link to websites and other online content. They were developed in 1994 for use in manufacturing but are now commonly used to provide additional information through smartphones. Libraries employ QR codes to link patrons to audio files, catalog records, tutorials and more in order to enhance programs and services. However, not all patrons are aware of or able to use QR codes.

1. *
Rita Boh
Jennifer
Charbonnet
Melissa Minchey
Emily Rush
Julie Weber

2. *
*QR code stands for Quick Response.
*QR codes are two-dimensional (2-D) bar codes
developed by the Japanese Corporation Denso
Wave.
*QR codes were released in 1994 to Toyota for
tracking vehicle parts during manufacturing.
*2D codes were accepted internationally between
1997 and 2004.

3. A QR code is a 2-D barcode that...
*has a large information capacity
*holds up to 7,089 characters
*stores data in both vertical and
horizontal directions.
*popularly used for storing URLs
*

4. *
*The intention was to develop a symbol code more easily read
by scanners than traditional codes.
*The codes were developed in response to the need for more
data storage capability within a smaller space. Bar Code
Stacking
*Technology emerged through progression from the stacked
bar method (stacking multiple bar codes).
*2D codes are the result of utilizing the increased information
density matrix method.
*The method prevents enlargement of code symbol
area, negating the increased production cost this entails.

5. *

6. *A QR code is generated with QR code creation software
and a specialized QR code printer used in conjunction
with QR code scanner.
*A person takes a picture of the QR code using a
camera, usually on a smartphone, to access the data
stored in the code. Then, the image is processed using a
QR code reader (smartphone application).
*Most QR code applications are compatible with major
cell phone providers and FREE!
*

7. *

8. Symbol Version
*Versions range from Version 1 to
Version 40
*Each range has its own maximum data
capacity
*The more information that is stored in
the symbol necessitates more modules
and a larger range
*

9. Error-Correction Level
*There are four potential levels (L, M, Q, H).
*The greater the correction capability, the
more data created to be stored in the code
*Level M (15% recovery) is the most
frequently used
*

10. Margin (“quiet zone”)
*Margin refers to blank space
around symbol
*QR code specifications require a
minimum four-module wide
margin on all sides for accurate
reading
*

11. Example: Creating QR Code to encode 50 alphanumeric characters
* Specify the error correction level as the standard “M”.
* Obtain a version from the Version and maximum data capacity table (find
the intersection of alphanumeric characters and Level M). → Version 3
capable of storing 50 or more characters. (Version 2 with Level M holds
only 38 characters.)
* Use a printer with 400 dpi resolution. → 0.254 mm when printed with 4-
dot configuration. (Equation: 25.4 mm/inch 400 dpi 4 dots/module =
0.254 mm/module)
* 4. Version 3 = 29 modules, therefore, the size of QR Code is 29 modules
0.254 mm/module = 7.366 mm.
* Secure a four-module wide margin. 7.366mm + 0.254mm/module 8
modules = 9.398mm
* In other words, the required QR Code area is 9.398mm2.
http://www.denso-wave.com/qrcode/aboutqr-e.html
*

12. *
*Link to songs, websites, contests to enhance programs and exhibits
*Link library audio tours
*Link to library’s reference services and other contact information
*Link to specific collections (teen, career, etc.) for more information
about the collection (Cordova).
*Link to author interviews or book reviews on audiobooks
*Used on handouts that link to mobile sites
*Used with permanent art or art shows within the library to link the
artist web site

13. *
*Provide catalog records to obtain the location and the call number
of the item
*Provide link to video trailers on DVD cases
*Provide video tutorials for library services.
*Placed in the stacks to direct the user to related online sources
*Placed on or near study rooms to connect to the reservation form
*Used on bookmarks and placards around campus or the community
to market library services
*Used on Twitter and Facebook for an online presence (Cordova).
*Offer information about the library, such as hours, checkout
procedures, and overdue/fine information. (Cordova).

14. Academic Libraries
*Link to mobile versions of websites
*Link to the library’s website
*Access to an item’s record to provide the
title of the record, location of the item, and
its availability.
*

15. Public Libraries
* Codes link to audiobooks that can be wirelessly
downloaded onto smartphones
* Codes used to find mobile apps
* Codes located on bookshelves to link subject guides
*

16. School Libraries
*Can be placed throughout the school
*Promote events by linking websites
*Create a library scavenger hunt
*Link to book reviews for students to read
*Promote potentially embarrassing
information in a non-threatening way
*

17. * Using QR Codes for Readers’ Advisory Read-Alikes
* http://youtu.be/apPL_S6POQA
* QR Codes in the Library
* http://youtu.be/FmM9HJ3EfNQ
* QR U? Access E-books On Your Mobile Devices
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb4I2WzZZ_w
*

18. *
*QR Code is an open format.
*There is no need to write down vital details. A simple scan
captures the desired information.
*QR Codes can be used to store website addresses and URLs
that can appear in magazines, on signs, on buses, on
business cards or just about any product that users might
need information about.
*QR codes can store quite complex information in a small
matrix.

19. *
*There is no universal standard.
*Not everyone is aware of QR Codes or how
they work.
*Not everyone owns a smartphone.
*It is impractical to expect novice users or
students to be able to capture important
information or coursework from QR codes
without some support.

20. Question to Ponder…
Will QR codes remain an important
technology tool or will they be replaced with
the next new thing?
ABC News Video on the Future of QR Codes
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/this-could-be-big-abc-
news/qr-codes-things-185409346.html
*

21. *
*Awareness for QR Codes is relatively strong.
*65% of smartphone users say they have seen a QR code.
*Out of smartphone users who have seen a QR code, 56%
have seen them most often on product packaging, 45% have
seen them in magazines, 45% have seen them on
coupons, and 27% have seen them in newspaper ads (27%).
*QR codes are popular with young people (teens to late
twenties), in part because the codes can only be scanned
using smartphones, and young people are more likely to
own and be a smartphone.