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Quick Response Codes for Libraries: Using Scannable Barcodes to Engage Your Smartphone Users

OrQuick Response (QR) Codes—So Easy a Baby Can Use ThemMeghan G. Snatchko, Reference Librarian, Sewickley Public Library of the Quaker Valley School DistrictKelly P. Rottmund, Young Adult Librarian, Sewickley Public Library of the Quaker Valley School DistrictTuesday, October 4, 2011

GIVENSWhat we are assuming about youYou know that your library serves more than just the people who walk through the front door.You care about how easy it is for your users to access your online tools. You have probably seen a weird barcode on various products but may or may not know what it is or how to use it.

Questions we will answer…What exactly are these barcodes?Why should my library use them?How can my library use them?How do you scan them?Can you help me get a dose of cute in my life?How do I make them?How are other libraries and businesses using them?

What Are QR Codes?QR (Quick Response) CodeUPC CodevsCan encode up to 7,089 charactersScanned with your smartphone’s camera!Can only hold 20 charactersScanned with a red laser scanner

What does this have to do with my library?Your Library probably already offers a few mobile resources.Give your users a fast way to access them!

Why?You need to meet the demands of your mobile users.Mobile access brings the library right to the user.The patron can scan a code and have immediate access literally at their fingertips. You will be recognizing that many patrons are users of both your online and physical space.It’s serendipitous!

And Everyone loves Serendipity!

And everyone (almost) has a cell phone!*Pew Research Center’s Mobile Access 2010 report.

How can my library use them?Link things in the building to things onlineBestseller book reviews.Suggested read-alikes.Book trailers.Put them in materials to link to online renewal.Hard to use equipment? Link to a video tutorial!

How can my library use them?Get them outside your building!On a college campus? Put up a code that links to library’s reference e-mail or phone number.Add a code to program flyers that allows people to register for your event.On Public TransitOn Your Business CardsLawn SignLibrary Tote Bags

How do you scan them?Search the App Store or Market or App World for a QR code readerOr, try one of these:BeeTaggwww.beetagg.comNeoReaderget.neoreader.comQRsetwww.qrset.com

Scan the QR code with NeoReader!

Who wants to type this long URL?

My doctor told me that my Vitamin Q-T levels are severely deficient. Can you help me out with that? Why, Yes. Yes, we can…

BreakingNewsQR Codes are so easy…well, you’ll see.

John Ross is visiting the library ona Saturday afternoon.

“Let’s check out this month’s newsletter.”

“Hey, there’s a program for kids called ‘Hola Amigos’ happening tomorrow.That sounds like a lot of fun! It says I can scan this barcode with my smartphone to register. Let’s try it!”

��ԲԾ��Բ�…

“Alright, I’m all registered! I can’t wait to go to ‘Hola Amigos’ tomorrow!”

The next day, John Ross went back to the library for ‘Hola Amigos.’When John Ross registered, he had expected to learn some cool Spanish words and maybe meet some new friends. He was definitely not prepared for what he saw when he arrived…

Her name was Sophia and she was the most beautiful girl John Ross had ever seen!

“Ahem!” said Ms. Ing“It looks like we have a nuevo amigo! Why don’t you come out of the doorway and sit next to Sophia for ‘Hola Amigos’?”

John Ross tried to concentrate on what Ms. Ing was saying but all he could think about was how to strike up a conversation with Sophia.

“Ok, everyone, let’s grab a partner and practice our Spanish!” Ms. Ing shouted.

This was John Ross’ chance! He couldn’t speak a word of Spanish but he would partner with Sophia!

“Me llamo Sophia! ¿Como se llama?” Sophia said.

“Uhhhhhhhhhhhh,” stammered John Ross. It was all that he could get out!

“You’re quiet, aren’t you?” asked Sophia.

“No! I just don’t know any Spanish, yet!” John Ross explained.

Ms. Ing interrupted, “You two were talking so much you must be fluent in Spanish! It’s time to say ‘¡Hasta luego! Until next time!’ ”

John Ross waved bye-bye to Sophia and Ms. Ing and decided that he would come back tomorrow and find an audiobook that would help him learn Spanish! He was going to impress Sophia so much!“What an interesting day!” he thought.

The next day, John Ross headed to the library.He had a lot of research to do!

When he got there, he asked the clerk where he could find the audiobooks.“Up, over, and around that way!”the clerk said.John Ross took off…

“I think this is the section!”

“Here are the language audiobooks. Wait, there’s another one of those codes! Let’s scan it!”

John Ross downloaded the Mango Languages App from the App Store.

“Wow! I can use this database right from my smartphone. How convenient! I am always looking for ways to fit things into my busy schedule.”

John Ross took a seat and started into the first lesson.

“Hmmmmm, paella. That sounds interesting. I bet the kids at ‘Hola Amigos’ would love it if I brought in some of that! I hope Sophia will like it!”

“I am going to see if I can find a recipe for this in one of the library’s magazines.”

“Well, what do you know? Another code, and this one looks like it’s for a recipe app that I can use on my iPad!!I’m going to scan it so I can cook paella for ‘Hola Amigos’ at home!”

“Ok, time to head home and try out this app!”

When John Ross got home, he opened the app and searched for a paella recipe.“Here’s one that looks really yummy!”

e I am cookin’ ee I am cookin’ ee I am cookin’ ee Hey Hey HeyHey! e

“What? You don’t sing when you’re cooking?”

John Ross finished up the paella and placed it in the fridge.

The next day, John Ross started thinking:“So, I’m learning Spanish, I’ve made an authentic Spanish dish. I feel like there’s something I’m missing.”

“I don’t really know anything about Spanish culture. I bet the library has plenty of materials that can help me learn about that!”

“I’m going to call the Reference Desk!I remember seeing a code on the front of the newsletter that will help me call them!”

“Reference Desk. This is Madonna speaking. How may I help you?”

“Hi, I am looking for some library materials to help me learn more about Spanish culture. Could you help me with that?”

“Sure I can! Would you like books, DVDs, Music CDs?”

“A DVD would be great! You can put it on hold for me, JOHN ROSS.”

“Will do! I will put it on the shelf right now.”

“Thank you so very much! Er, I mean MuchasGracías!”

The next day, John Ross headed to the library. He had a DVD to pick up!

When he got there, he asked the clerk where he could find the holdshelf.“Up, over, and around that way!” the clerk said.John Ross took off…

“Hmmm, what’s this on the back of it?”

“Another code! Let’s scan it!”

“Wow! It’s a YouTube video that will teach me how to do the Cha Cha!I can’t wait to go home and watch this DVD and learn how to Cha Cha!”

John Ross went home.He watched that DVD.He watched that YouTube Video.

“I am sooooo ready for ‘Hola Amigos’ this weekend!” he thought.

That Sunday couldn’t come soon enough. John Ross grabbed his paella and practically ran to the library.“Be careful John Ross!”

“¡Hola Amigos! ¡Traigo un regalodelicioso!”“Hello Friends! I brought a delicious treat!”

“Wow! This paella is muydeliciosa!” exclaimed Sophia.“I thought paella was supposed to have only seafood in it but this has sausage and chicken too,” Sophia wondered aloud.

“Actually, traditional Valencian Paella, or paella valenciana has meat and sometimes seafood. I think you’re thinking of seafood paellaor paella de mariscos,” John Ross explained.

“John Ross! I had no idea you knew so much about Spanish culture! Where did you learn it all?”Sophia asked, astounded.

“At the library!” John Ross said, matter-of-factly.John Ross didn’t tell Sophia how easy it really was. All he had to do was scan the codes that the library had posted.

“Hey Sophia, you want to know what else I learned?”“Yeah! What else did you learn, John Ross?”“¡Como bailar la cha cha! How to dance the cha cha!!Want to dance with me?” John Ross asked.

“Sure, but I don’t know it so you’ll have to lead!”Sophia said.

“Ok, follow my lead!” John Ross said reaching out for Sophia’s hand.“¡Vamos a bailar!”Boom!!!

Lessons Learned1. Sometimes you need more than a YouTube video to learn how to dance!2. Your library can provide your smartphone-using patrons with on-the-go access to a variety of different mobile resources. It’s augmented reality!

Many Thanks to Our Cast of Characters (in order of appearance)John Ross Snatchko

Isaac GoubertHow QR Codes Were Used in This �ݺ�ߣshow

How to Create QR CodesDo a Google search for QR Code GeneratorsOr, try one of these:Delivrhttp://delivr.com/QRStuffwww.qrstuff.com/ZXing generatorhttp://zxing.appspot.com/generator/

What Other Libraries Are Doing with QR Codes!

Ways Businesses Are Using QR CodesLinks to Lauren Conrad’s Mobile Sitehttp://lacandy.mobi

Links to the Superfreakonomics Mobile Sitehttp://freakonomics.mobi

Links to The Dark Days of the Supernatural Mobile Sitehttp://darkdays.mobi

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