I did a training session at the UVic Law Library this morning on QR Codes in Libraries. Here’s a link to my slides, and I’ll copy and paste my handout below. Enjoy!
- What is a QR Code? It is a 2 dimension bar code, readable by smart phones like the iPhone, BlackBerry and Android phones. New iPod Touches are also be able to read QR Codes.
- As of September 2010, 50% of UVic Law Students owned smart phones – up from 30% in April 2010.
- Libraries are using QR Codes in a number of different formats, to link back to their websites, and provide additional information to patrons when and where they need it:
- Bookmarks
- Posters and Advertisements
- Signs
- Room Booking
- Handouts and guides
- OPAC records
- Creating a QR code is quite easy. Goto http://qrcode.kaywa.com then:
- Create a QR Code Using a page from the library website.
- Right Mouse click… “Save As”… Save to Desktop.
- Insert the graphic QR Code into a Word Document.
- Shorter URL’s mean smaller QR Code graphic. To make a URL shorter, simply goto http://bit.ly and paste the URL in and click on the “Shorten” button.
- Final Thoughts:
- Not everyone has a Smart Phone.
- Make Sure we include a URL along with the QR Code where it makes sense.
- Let’s begin to use QR Codes where it will help our patrons most.
As of September 2010, 50% of UVic Law students own smart phones.