Open AccessQR codes and library engagement
Author(s) -
Whitchurch Michael J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
bulletin of the american society for information science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1550-8366
pISSN - 0095-4403
DOI - 10.1002/bult.2011.1720380107
Subject(s) - implementation , computer science , variety (cybernetics) , code (set theory) , graphics , world wide web , multimedia , the internet , software engineering , operating system , set (abstract data type) , programming language , artificial intelligence
QR codes are two‐dimensional patterned graphics that, when read by mobile devices, represent text and link to Internet content. At numerous libraries, QR codes are being used in a variety of ways to promote student engagement, supporting library services that are unique or improved over past approaches. Descriptions of successful implementations abound on library‐oriented wikis. Brigham Young University's Harold B. Lee Library has adopted QR codes for use in marketing materials, for a library audio tour and to reserve group study rooms. Implementation hurdles are manageable and include producing and designing the codes, locating them effectively and having access to compatible hardware, though student ownership of smartphones is rising rapidly. Libraries adopting QR codes should focus on implementations that add value, educate intended users, customize the code to reflect the school's brand, are creative and track code usage.