QR codes can store more data than traditional barcodes and have been used since 1994. They can link to websites, emails, contacts, phone numbers, texts, maps, and social media when scanned by a mobile phone camera. There are many free sites to create QR codes linking to various types of data. Mobile apps can scan codes, and online decoders can read codes from uploaded images. Libraries can use QR codes for signage, handouts, catalogs, and websites to link to maps, hours, databases and guides. Usage can be tracked through bit.ly or analytics to see how many scans codes receive. Potential challenges include equipment, educating users, and still providing conventional information alongside codes.

1. QR Codes in Libraries Melanie Parlette Conestoga College Spring 2011

2. What are QR Codes Max. 20 digits Quick Response Code 2 D Barcode Stores more data than a traditional barcode Been around since 1994 Free to use & create (although depending on your mobile phone plan, there may be fees when using QR Code – Wikipedia Page

3. How do QR Codes work? Scan with mobile phone camera Can bring you to a number of places Website Email Contact Details (vcard) Phone Number Text Calendar Event Google Maps Location Social Media Site YouTube Video Wifi Network

4. Creating There are many free and paid QR creations sites out there. The more information on a QR code the harder it becomes to read. For longer URLs, services like bit.ly can be helpful Sites to create QR Codes Bit.ly and Goo.gl (also allow tracking) http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/ (URLs, Messages, Phone Numbers, SMS, and Emails) http://qrcode.kaywa.com/(URL, Text, Phone Number or SMS) www.qrstuff.com (Lots of different data types and option to change foreground colour) http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/ (calendar event, contact information, email address, geo location, phone number, SMS, UYRL, or Wifi network) And More!

5. Phone Software There are a number of different readers available. KAYWA Reader i-nigma Reader Lynkee Reader UpCode BeeTagg http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-software/ Let’s you enter your mobile device and it will let you know what programs are available for it. There are also online decoders available (By entering URL or Uploading the Image) (http://zxing.org/w/decode.jspx) I have QR Code Scanner Pro – on a Blackberry Torch – It’s a free App Does it really matter which one? Not really - QR codes comply to an international standard (ISO/IEC 18004:2006)

6. Where do QR Codes fit in Libraries? How do we explain what QR Codes are? Posters Website QR Scavenger Hunt Where can we put QR Codes? Presentations Printed Handouts Catalogue Signage Link to parts of our website i.e. Campus Maps or Hours, electronic locations of items in catalogue (periodicals, Ebooks), Research and Subject Guides, multimedia and How-to’s Feedback

7. First steps Focus on research and exploring opportunities Survey of Social Media – assessing Smartphone penetration Keep initial outreach simple, potentially rolled out for Fall session Integration of the physical with the virtual Education

8. Tracking success How do we know if people are using the QR codes? We need stats! 2 options we have investigated Bit.ly (creates a code for you and gives you number of clicks) Creating unique pages and using Google Analytics

9. Challenges Equipment Awareness Educating both internally and the community at large Possible Network Charges Main information still needs to be conveyed in conventional way

10. More QR Resources QR Codes Project at University of Bath 7 Things You Should Know about QR Codes The use of QR codes in Education: A Getting Started Guide for Academics Thanks! Questions - mparlette@conestogac.on.ca