QR Codes

[Martha Buckbee]

QR codes can be used to get to a human as well.  Put a QR code at the public 
computer stations.  In the QR code put the phone number for the help desk so 
users can call to report problems.  Or the QR code can initiate an texting 
session with a librarian.  On the sign include the phone number as well as who 
to report problems to for those with a non-smart phone or no phone at all.

If your library uses a problem ticket system make a QR code that brings up a 
pre-formatted email with space for additional details so the user can submit a 
ticket via email.  Or make a different QR code for each device with all the 
specifics already detailed.

At the microfilm/microfiche station have a sign with brief usage instructions.  
Provide a QR code to more detailed instructions.

Although the above could direct users to a URL, none of them have to.  Phone 
numbers, text messages, email, and plain old text can also be put in a QR code.

Some of the above may seem more cumbersome than needed but I love only 
having to scan the code and not having to worry that my fat thumbs will typo 
a number or address.  Not to mention the joys of auto-correct modifying what I 
typed.

I agree that we need to provide more instruction in how to use the QR codes.  
And more phones are coming out in the with camera software that 
automatically detect QR codes without additional software requirements.

One final point.  According to the numbers from Pew and others, many 
smartphone owners don't have access to high speed internet at home.  Their 
phone is their internet connection.  Providing a QR code link to the reliable 
resources libraries provide could help narrow the digital divide.  For many users 
if the options are enter a long URL that might be fat fingered or simply Google a 
topic and clicking on the first few hits - Google wins.  If the options are scan a 
QR code or Google, hopefully the QR code wins.  How is that for starry eyed 
libraries and QR codes can save the world?

Martha Buckbee
Emerging Library Technologies Specialist
UT Southwestern Medical Center Libray


On Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:45:59 +0000, Rosenberger, Luke E 
<rosenberger at UTHSCSA.EDU> wrote:

>Although I agree that the most effective uses of QR codes are to bridge 
between physical objects/spaces and online information, they can also be a 
useful tool to bridge the gap between desktop and mobile interfaces.  For 
example:
>
>1. Libraries may offer a QR code link in their OPACs so that a patron using the 
OPAC can simply scan the code from the screen using their device before they 
head off to locate an item in the stacks.
>
>2. QR codes have been used very effectively to link from webpages to apps in 
the Android Market and iTunes App Store -- it actually can save the time of 
the user when installing new apps.
>
>Therefore, I would disagree with the general statement "If you offer a QR 
code on a Web page instead of a simple hyperlink, you are raising a barrier" -- 
assuming that the target of the QR code is specifically designed for mobile use.
>
>Luke Rosenberger � Director �
>Library Technology & Historical Collections �
>UT Health Science Center San Antonio �
>MSC 7940, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr � San Antonio TX 78229-3900 �
>+1 210.567.2486 � rosenberger at uthscsa.edu �
>http://www.library.uthscsa.edu
>________________________________
>From: Web technologies in libraries [WEB4LIB at LISTSERV.ND.EDU] on behalf of 
Richard Wiggins [richard.wiggins at GMAIL.COM]
>Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2012 7:49
>To: WEB4LIB at LISTSERV.ND.EDU
>Subject: Re: [WEB4LIB] QR Codes
>
>Nice to see that QR codes have evangelists.
>
>Some things to keep in mind:
>
>QR codes are 2D bar codes.  They apply to physical objects, not Web pages.  
If you offer a QR code on a Web page instead of a simple hyperlink, you are 
raising a barrier.
>
>QR codes have for some reason become a topic of fashion in the year 2012, 
yet they date back before 2000.
>
>It is especially puzzling when a QR code translates to a simple URL - or 
should.
>
>I don't recall such fascination with conventional bar codes when grocery 
stores adopted the UPC.
>
>/rich

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2012-04-17