4. June 24, 2013 | slide 4
How to scan a QR code
You will need to download a QR code reader application. Some examples are:
– RedLaser (iPhone)
– ZBar (iPhone),
– QR Reader (iPhone),
– i-nigma (iPhone),
– QR Droid (Android)
– Barcode Scanner (Android),
– QRafter (iPad),
– Norton Snap (iOS or Android).
6. June 24, 2013 | slide 6
Creating QR Codes
There are many QR code generators available, mostly free with pay for
premium services. Some examples are:
– Goo.gl
– Bit.ly
– Delivr
– QR Stuff
– Kaywa
– BeeTagg
– QReate & Track
– Snap.vu
– BWScan
– Unitag
– Power QR
7. June 24, 2013 | slide 7
How are libraries using QR codes?
20. June 24, 2013 | slide 20
References
Jisc RSC Wales blog
– http://blog.rsc-wales.ac.uk/
– http://blog.rsc-wales.ac.uk/2010/01/05/toys-2-0/
– http://blog.rsc-wales.ac.uk/2012/08/17/qr-codes-and-audio-files/
Jisc RSC Wales Conference: Encouraging Innovation
Jisc RSC Wales consultations
Notas do Editor
In this presentation I’m going to be looking at QR codes. I’ll be explaining what they are, how to create them, how they are being used, how to evaluate QR code generators and some tips and tricks I’ve learnt along the way.I’ll then discuss what many call the next step after QR codes which is augmented reality.
My name is Sharon Cook and I am an elearning advisor for Jisc Regional Support Centre Wales.Throughout this presentation I’ll be drawing on information and expertise from a range of Jisc services with references given at the end.
QR stands for Quick Response and is similar to a barcodeUsing a mobile device scanning a QR code can result in a wide range of actions, such asOpening a URLDisplaying textPopulating an SMS messagePrompting a phone callDisplaying someone’s contact details Opening a YouTube videoOpening a Dropbox folderSending a tweetand many many more...When you scan a QR code you might not know what it is going to do (see list above) so many QR code applications give you the option after scanning the code. For example, if you scan a QR code and it’s going to take you to a web page, it will popup with a message letting you know what the code wants to do and asking if you want to continue.
This list is by no means exhaustive – do you know of any others?Many of these do other things as well as scan Qr codes. Red Laser for example also offers a price comparison feature when you scan any barcode.Qrafter and Norton Snap check the safety of websites linked to QR codes before they load on your mobile device.If you have a regular camera phone rather than a smartphone you can often still get a QR code reader; try searching Google for your phone model number and the term QR code reader.Once you have the application installed, launch it and hold your camera up to the QR code.
QR Code and audio fileshttp://blog.rsc-wales.ac.uk/2012/08/17/qr-codes-and-audio-files/Qr Code linking to videohttp://goo.gl/KnMlE
Some are part of a URL shortening service, for example Goo.gl. This makes sense as the simpler the URL the easier it is to generate a QR code.Some offer access to statistics, such as Qreate & Track, Goo.gl Power QR allows you to change what the QR code does when it is scanned, particularly helpful if you are doing a weekly promotion. Many more freely available on the web…but for how long? This brings us to evaluation
QR code on textbooks/shelves in the library – scan to get a subject guide to resources that area (e.g. catering), including classmarks to look at, core texts, useful magazines, websites etc.Fiction collections – scan the code to get the e-book version, e.g. fromProject Gutenberg if it is a classic text.Reference collection book – scan the code to go through to a referencewebsite on that subject (e.g. online dictionary or style guide), or the library’s own virtual reference collection.Posters linking to the relevant web pages. Used as part of induction, for an innovative quiz where there are blocks of QR code information around the library, with a sort of treasure hunt following QR code clues on signs and hidden in some books. Or linking to a YoutTube video in specific areas of the library.Library cards could have QR codes with user information on, or to take the user to their library account on their phone so they can renew books etc (after some other form of authentication too, of course).Other uses for QR codes on a physical item, enabling users to see the catalogue record, reviews, similar items etc.On the OPAC so users can get locations, classmarks and item details onto their phone for finding item on shelves, or adding to bibliographies. This was done at Aberystwyth University as one of the mobile phone enhancements (the OPAC also has the ability to send an SMS with item details to a mobile phone). To view the QR code function, search the OPAC then click on the “QR code” link in the “Availability” section when viewing a record.Text based services to provide context specific help and information in the library, as at Huddersfield Universityhttp://blogs.ukoln.ac.uk/cultural-heritage/2009/10/12/text-a-librarian-at-huddersfield-university-library/
With all that choice, and many more freely available on the web, its difficult to know which one to use so you might want to evaluate the different services available.Many online tools enable you to shorten a URL and create a QR code. It may be worth considering here whether or not the tool is designed as a URL shortener first or QR code generator, how the developers see the tool could affect its usability both now and in the future.The size and quality of a QR code can have a significant effect on how easy it is for devices to scan. It’s worth comparing the images that different tools produce to see how well the image meets your needs. How big is the QR code that is produced? Will it meet your needs or will you need to edit it using an image editor?How easy is it to use? If you are producing hundred of more QR codes then how easy the tool is to use will have a great impact on your use of it.Can you access statistics? Some QR code generators allow you to access trackable statistics such as how many time a QR code was scanned, when etc. These statistics could be vital in evaluating the success of QR codes in your organisation.Once you have found a tool you like to use, it may offer metrics and shorten URLS and produce high quality QR codes int eh size you like without editing it could all come down to reliability. Unfortunately with many free web based apps they come and go so you might want to look at established tools such as Goo.gl.Similarly you may want to look at the life cycle of your QR code, are you able to change the URL it points to? Some services will never expire your QR code which may or may not be a good thing, for example if you generate QR codes to link to ebooks and then change platforms, if your Qr code generator doesn't allow you to change the URL then you need to create new QR codes.
Purpose: don’t just have QR codes all over the place, make them work for you, give them a specific purpose they are then likely to be more useful.Destination: If you’re going to use QR codes you need to make sure the destination will work on a mobile device. It’s no good adding a QR code to an e-book if it will only work on a desktop computer, or linking to a webpage full of text and images that won’t display correctly on a mobile phone. Ideally, you’ll want to link to mobile optimised websites. YouTube videos can be made mobile-friendly so this is a good way of creating mobile-friendly videos.Design: Similar to image quality make sure the QR code is clear, concise, this is where URL shortening services come in useful, and the correct size, not overly large or too small – this point will largely depend on the context for example book shelves versus A3 poster.. Many QR code generators allow you to change the colour, it would be good to fit them with the overall design of your LRC, but make sure it is still readable and on contrasting colours. For example a lemon yellow QR code on a white background is going to be difficult to spot. Measuring success: Use statistics either provided through your QR code generator or through an analytics service to measure the success of your campaign.Staff awareness: Get staff involved in the production and design of the QR codes, ask them where they think they should be used, get them involved so they can promote to users. This will also ensure you're not just sticking them up for the sake of it and they will have a purpose. Also getting staff used to this new technology before the users means they are on hand to help with any issues.User awareness: Not everyone knows what a QR code is, this includes your users. It may be worth spending some time finding if they use QR codes. If not try and find out why. It could be they don’t have the right device, can you have some back-ups available? Can you offer help and guidance, for example FAQs, video guide?
Virtual reality is an alternative world with no connection to your surroundings for example Second Life, Augmented reality adds digital information to real objects.The basic concept behind augmented reality is that images and sounds are superimposed over what the user experiences in the real world.
Skeleton
Video demonstration Pointing mobile device at the screen of the self-service issue machines automatically plays a video guiding the user on how the machine operates. Enhanced directional map Pointing a mobile device at a floor plan map (either on a plinth at the library entrance or in hand-held form) overlays a re-coloured map indicating areas that can be tapped. When they are at a photo of that location there is a pop up giving users a ‘virtual tour’ and more information on that areaHelp on a screen-based service Pointing a mobile device at an online discovery tool overlays guidance arrows and notes onto the screen– pointing out the where to enter the search, where to refine filters & then view resultsVirtual bay-ends Pointing mobile device at a particular image (perhaps located near OPACs) overlays directional arrows to where resources are located – giving users an initial idea of where to find what they are looking for.Enhanced instructional guide Pointing a mobile device at a leaflet about accessing online resources automatically plays a video with screenshots showing the stages that they need to go through. Induction/Treasure Hunt Students could scan a ‘frame’ placed in an area of the library. Once scanned a video would play introducing them to that area and how to use it – alongside the video a new question would appear that would guide them to another area to continue the ‘game’.Enhanced publicity material Pointing a mobile device at library introduction guide which is enhanced with pictures, videos and extra information beyond what could be included on a physical copy. Also all telephone numbers, email addresses and hyperlinks are made into tappable live links.Staff assistance/reminder. Pointing a mobile device at the borrower registration screen of the LMS that we use overlaid with extra information to show the various fields that need completing. It is designed as a quick check for staff to ensure that it is completed accurately.
The Jisc SCARLETProject (Special Collections using Augmented Reality to Enhance Learning and Teaching) looks at ways to enhance access to special collections in libraries using augmented reality. Here we have a demonstration from the project:Launch Junaio and scan the QR code to activate channel (Dante)Hold device over imageTap the 3D object to trigger contentTap open web for more learning material
The AR feels a lot more immediate than QR codes. Whereas scanning a code sometimes feels like an additional step and takes you away from what you are doing the extra information from AR is more integrated into your activity. Aurasma allows extra functionality too.Some think that QR codes are just plain ugly, augmented reality involves no additional printing and you can make the trigger whatever you likeUser training: People have to download the app, subscribe to a particular channel and then know where to scan. Both systems are relatively easy to develop and work across a wide range of devices.
