The marketing group is starting to explore QR codes and these will start appearing on library posters and other ads. In case any students have questions, the basic things you need to know are:
- the code links to a webpage (it can link to other types of data, but we’re starting simple)
- to read it, you need a) a smartphone or iPad or some such with b) appropriate software (freely available via eg this website
- start up the software, point the camera at the code, and the software should take you to the website.
For more information, 7 things you need to know about QR codes (pdf) is a great summary of QR codes and their potential; and 75% of college students won’t scan your QR codes (given their results, I’d actually put that number rather higher) is a good explanation of why we need to always include a human-readable URL along with the code. The Library Success Wiki has a list of various ways libraries have used QR codes. And Boise State Library has a page about creating your own QR code – in case eg you’re making up a display and want to link to electronic resources as well.
Deborah