QR codes

QR Codes – um, WTF?CC BY NC SA : Sarah Gallagher MA MLIS RLIANZA @sarahlibrarina

What are they?

• “Quick Response” code

• A 2D barcode into which all kinds of data can be embedded

• Scan it with a mobile device

Source: CC By Jeremy Keith http://www.flickr.com/photos/adactio/3203904948/

How do I scan them?

1. Download a free QR code reader / scanner to:

• Your phone• Your mobile device

2. Select the app, point and scan.

CC http://openclipart.org/detail/160969/qr-scanner-red-by-centroacademico

What are they for?

• Advertising products and services

• Connecting the print and digital realms

• Adding value to your collections

• Adding interactivity to static collections

Source: CC BY SA Paul Stainthrop http://www.flickr.com/photos/pstainthorp/5425127994/

How do I make them?

There are a number of websites that offer a free QR Code generation service

http://goqr.me - embed URL, sound, email, phone number, text

http://goo.gl shorten link + .qr = QR Code!http://bit.ly - create an account, create a short

link, use this to create a QR Code and gather stats

How can I use them?

Some ideas• Link hardcopy books to ebook

version• Advertise ebooks• Add value to exhibitions – like

to artist info / video / websites

• Link to forms / competitions / events information

• Link to library locations / staff

Some more ideas

Reading2D code: QR code and two dimensional bar

codes, news, views and analysis. http://2d-code.co.uk

Potter, Ned. (2012) The Library Marketing Toolkit

Saravani, Sarah-Jane. (2010) QR codes: Pushing the library out or bringing the world in? LIANZA Conference http://www.lianza.org.nz/sites/lianza.org.nz/files/1330_sarah-jane_saravani.pdf

Thing 9 QR Codes in 23 Mobile Thingshttp://anz23mobilethings.wordpress.com/the-23-things/

Source: CC BY SA Pinky-sanhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/picpinky/8402765280

Credits

Source: CC BY Paul Wilkinson http://www.flickr.com/photos/eepaul/4727277245/ Cover image: CC BY Thomas Leuthard http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasleuthard/8696257428/