Cracking QR Codes What are they, and how can they help your library? Carson Block

What's the big deal? QR Codes are now everywhere! Don't you want a piece of the action?

What's a QR Code? QR stands for “Quick Response” A symbol that can be read by a mobile device to quickly connect a person to an Internet resource

Meet Carson IT Director, Poudre River Public Library District, Colo. 16 years serving library technology Staff member, leader, consultant, project manager, geek!

What will we learn today? How to identify a QR Code See current uses of QR Codes Discover some library-specific applications for QR Codes How to generate and publish QR codes BONUS – mini lesson in project management!

How to identify a QR (Quick Response) Code

What Does a QR Code look like? Trick Question! (Remember our opening slide?) Cracking QR Codes What are they, And how can they help your library?

Other forms too… MS Tag

How did we get here? Started with barcodes 1950's: US patent # 2,612, 's: first commercial use (railcar ID) 1970's: grocery stores Libraries!

QR codes are a new twist on an old idea! Remember the :Cue Cat?

Why are QR Codes quickly becoming prominent? The smartphone and feature-phone revolution! Camera+app+Internet connection = bridge from the physical to virtual world

Why are QR Codes quickly becoming prominent? Low barrier to information access – quick and easy!* *If you have a smartphone!

How does it work?

How are QR Codes being used now?* *(Everyone is experimenting, so feel free to borrow!)

Current Uses of QR Codes Marketing Opportunities

Current Uses of QR Codes Marketing Opportunities

Current Uses of QR Codes Cooking and saving money

Current Uses of QR Codes Convenience!

Current Uses of QR Codes Direct link to other forms of communication

Current Uses of QR Codes Direct link to other applications (“Apps”)

Current Uses of QR Codes Contact Information

Current Uses of QR Codes Games

Current Uses of QR Codes Instant Feedback

Current Uses of QR Codes Dynamic Communication

Current Uses of QR Codes Enticement and Recruitment

Current Uses of QR Codes Choices for deeper information

Current Uses of QR Codes Links to Social Networking

Current Uses of QR Codes Greater good and fund-raising

Current Uses of QR Codes Augmented Reality (in libraries)- experimental

Current Uses of QR Codes Mystery ??????

How are libraries using QR Codes?

How are Libraries Using QR Codes? Poudre River Public Library District, Colo. Using a bookmark as a gateway to the library's mobile app

How are Libraries Using QR Codes? Poudre River Public Library District, Colo. Vicky's Inspiration – cross stitch!

How are Libraries Using QR Codes? Poudre River Public Library District, Colo. Vicky's Inspiration – cross stitch!

How are Libraries Using QR Codes? Geneva Public Library District (Ill.) Business Cards Outreach to business community! Use as part of SRP this year?

How are Libraries Using QR Codes? Colorado State Library BTOP Grant training materials

How are Libraries Using QR Codes? Integrated into the library catalog Sonoma State University Library

How are Libraries Using QR Codes? Abilene Christian University Library (Texas) Dynamic searches of the catalog Links to contest and winning entries Future: link to calender, instructional videos, and more

How are Libraries Using QR Codes? Auburn University Libraries A publication called “The TP Times” Posted in the restrooms The March/April 2011 edition has links to online giving, suggestion box, and textbook reserves They have plans to use QR in a more serious manner!

How are Libraries Using QR Codes? University of California – Irvine Connect printed material and online content. Math, Art, Chemistry and English sections are broken down into subclasses, a QR Code is placed in each section and it corresponds to an ebook collection that covers that subclass. Tracking Use

How are libraries using QR Codes? University of Florida Library: posters about specific library services Carthage College Library (Wis.): an “Amazing Race” – type scavenger hunt; QR Codes uncover clues to complete an activity on Facebook Libguides from Boise State U and others

How are Libraries Using QR Codes? Fairfield University (Conn.): Display case honoring seven who progressed technology in the library Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah: link patrons to rich information about paintings (portraits) of past medical faculty who have been leaders in their fields. College of Lake County: video tutorial (Ill.): el_video_title el_video_title

How do I make and publish QR codes?

There’s always cross stitch… How do I Make QR Codes?

How Do I Make QR Codes? How about freehand?

How Do I Make QR Codes? Website: 2d code – list of different QR Code generators

BONUS Mini Lesson in Project Management!

Before starting... Vision (can be Impact too): what experience do you want patrons to have? Objective(s): how can your deliver that experience? Tasks: what needs to be done? Help: who should be involved? How will you measure results?

At Poudre Libraries.... Vision/Impact: Get Mobile App in the hands of patrons Objective(s): No barriers for patrons; low-to-no staff support needed Tasks: mobile page, book mark, distribution, promotion Help: IT staff, Mar/Comm staff, Managers, Desk Staff Measure: visits to /m site; # of app downloads; use of mobile site

Tips and Tricks Ensure that your web resource is mobile - friendly! Shorter URL = smaller physical code! Make sure the QR Code opens the correct web resource!

Tips and Tricks Test reading the QR Code with a variety of devices. Be cautious of mounting location and mounting materials.

Food for Thought

At Denver International Airport

What ideas do you have?

Thank You! Carson Block, IT Director, Poudre River Public Library District, Colo.