Previously on...
In our last post, we discussed how special libraries can connect with patrons through social networking. We now look at QR Codes, which also foster patron interaction.
So what is a QR code?
QR codes have been used widely in Japan for quite some time and are recently gaining popularity in Europe and the United States. The most likely place one might encounter a QR code is in an advertisement, but they are being used for all sorts of purposes.
A QR code functions much like a normal bar code. Just how the grocery store clerk can scan your can of green beans and the price is automatically displayed on the cash register, the user of a QR code can scan the code with their mobile device and the information embedded in the code is instantly displayed on the mobile device.
However, QR codes do have a leg up on regular old bar codes because of the information they are able to store. A QR code can send the mobile device user directly to a website, trigger the download of a video, or download an online coupon. A QR code can contain text, pictures, or URLs. For a quick overview of QR Codes and Microsoft tags, as well as a demonstration of how they work, check out this short video:
Creating and reading QR codes
QR codes are free, easy to generate, and easy to use. The QR code at the beginning of this post was created in under one minute using one of the many QR code generators available online. Check out the list of free popular generators at QRmedia.us. After choosing a generator, enter the text, image, or URL your choice and the QR code is automatically generated. Then, simply copy and paste the QR code into your advertisement, blog, poster, website, etc.
QR codes can be read easily using most smartphones or mobile devices. Some smartphones have QR code readers built in and, if not, there are many free code reader applications that can be downloaded. Once again, check out QRmedia.us for a list of QR readers or go to your smartphone app market and search for "QR Reader." Once you have the Code Reader open on your mobile device you simply center the QR code in the view window and your mobile device will read the QR Code and automatically display the information contained in that code. Many code readers allow you to save or bookmark the information so you can access it later. If you have a mobile device handy, download a QR reader, and try out your skills by reading the QR code above. (hint: you should be automatically directed to QRmedia.us where you can read all about QR codes)
How does this relate to special libraries?
As mentioned above, QR codes are most commonly seen in advertisements, but the list of possible uses is endless. For a quick overview of places where QR codes are popping up, check out this video:
People are constantly coming up with new and creative ways to use QR codes and libraries are no exception. Libraries in general, and law libraries specifically, can use QR codes in a number ways. Some potential uses are:
- On signs throughout the library to convey hours, event schedules, floor plans of the library, etc.
- Using QR codes on event calendars to allow students/patrons to immediately sign up for a class or event
- On the stacks to link patrons to online resources on similar topics
- Directly on books to link patrons to electronic versions of the material or online reviews
- Near computer terminals to show patrons short instructional videos on how to do online searches, use the library catalog, or other technology questions
- Next to the computer terminals that link to the help desk/IT person for the library.
Pros & cons of QR codes in special libraries
Using QR codes has many advantages. The most important advantage is the instant delivery of information to the library patron. For example, a law library might use a QR Code on a poster advertising legal research training courses. The student can use their mobile device to read the QR code and instantly be linked to the sign up page. No need to write down a URL that will probably be lost before the student ever gets to a computer to access it. QR codes are a great free way for a law library or other special library to show off their tech savvy skills without spending precious funding.
While QR codes are free and easy, they do have some drawbacks that are important to understand before you decide to plaster your library in QR codes:
- Not all students/patrons have a device that can read QR codes.
- Even if they have the necessary device, most will not know what a QR code is or how to use them.
- If the QR codes links to the internet, the data usage might not be free for all patrons.
- Not all websites are optimized for viewing on mobile devices.
- Not all bar code readers are created equal and text-heavy codes might not be displayed the same on all readers
Many of these limitations can be overcome. Most academic law libraries probably have clientele that are well versed in smartphone technology and many law schools and firms have free internet/WiFi that patrons can use on their smartphones. Furthermore, providing some posters around the library that provide quick tutorials on QR codes could eliminate the lack of knowledge. Regardless, it is important to examine your own library's needs and patrons' abilities before deciding to dive in head first. Under the right conditions, using QR codes in moderation around a library can be a great way to enhance library services.
Want more information?
To see how some libraries are already using QR codes check out the following links:
- Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki - QR Codes
- Libtour - Provides pre-made QR codes that can be placed around a law library and smartphone users are treated to a short 2-3 minute explanation of different legal collections like AmJur and ALR
- Use of QR codes at Florida State Law Library
References
A tour of the law library by CALI. (n.d.) In LibTour. Retrieved July 13, 2011, from http://libtour.classcaster.net/
Ashford, R. (2010, November). QR Codes and academic libraries. College and Research Libraries News, 71, 10, 526-530.
Clark, M., & Lutz, J. (2011, March 23). Use of QR codes. Computers in Libraries 2011. Lecture conducted from Washington, D.C. Retrieved from http://conferences.infotoday.com/documents/121/c303_lutz.pptx
Fletcher, J. (2010, August). Markets for the QRious: The beginner's guide to using QR codes for library promotions and resources. Multimedia Information & Technology, 36, 3, 26-27.
Jackson, D. (2011). Standard bar codes beware--Smartphone users may prefer QR codes. Law Library Journal, 13, 1, 153-158.
QR codes. (n.d). In Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki. Retrieved July 13, 2011, from http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=QR_Codes&oldid=14173
Walsh, A. (2010, June). QR codes--Using mobile phones to deliver library instruction and help at the point of need. Journal of Information Literacy, 41, 1, 55-64.
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