What are known effective uses of QR codes in libraries?

Question

While there are many possible use cases for QR codes in libraries, do you know of examples that have seen high usage? High is relative to population but anyone know of examples where QR codes are scanned say >100 times in a month?

We tried quite a few use cases including those mentioned by Brian since last year.

So far no traction here. And we have a population of over 35k students and the smartphone penetration rate here (national wide) is at least 50% (some reports say 80%). QRcode recognition is fairly high also. So technology isn't a issue.

It's puzzling. The only one that gets even some use is a QRcode in the open stacks that links to the mobile catalogue. I suppose they get stuck hunting for a book and use it to recheck the catalogue.

I have asked this question in various channels, so far all I see is presentations on qrcodes in libraries, no statistics presented. Do you know of presentations where libraries present statistics?

Answer 1

A couple uses I've heard of and liked:

-simple use of putting QR codes on library signs: signs for events, linking to more info, online registration, or event reminders; signs to sign up for email newsletters, rss feeds, twitter, etc

-putting QR codes in the stacks: in fiction, linking to "if you liked..." readers advisory lists (or even pre-run searches in Novelist); in non-fiction, linking to related databases, subject guides, or vetted websites with more information

Answer 2

I really like the idea of giving physical presence to ebooks using QR codes. That link is an ACRL Tech Connect blog post on the subject which shows how FIU essentially put placeholders for ebooks in their stacks with QR codes that link to the text itself.

We're going to try this out at our library, but I'm going to meticulously track usage to see if it's worth the effort. I'm using bit.ly to generate the QR codes but will revisit to see if A) they're getting scanned & B) our before/after ebook usage shows any increase. My intuition is actually that this might not work out: I'm in a decidedly low-tech rural area where QR codes are certainly a mystery to most. I tracked codes on a couple fliers we put out; only 1 user scanned them (besides my test scans).

And because no mention of QR codes in libraries can go without it: http://implementingqrcodesinlibraries.org/

Answer 3

The best one I have scene was Contra Costa Library's Snap & Go program. ' http://guides.ccclib.org/qr

They have QR Codes on the BART system. If you are standing on the station, or on the bus/train there are ads everywhere. You just snap the picture and the book is automatically downloaded.

From the Site: "Listen to over 600 audiobook titles on the bus with the Contra Costa County Library's Snap & Go mobile library access. Wirelessly download audiobooks directly to your cell phone for FREE. It's a great way to pass time on the bus."

They presented at the California Library Association Annual Conference in Pasadena last year as part of the Great in the State Program.

Answer 4

We are only new to QR Codes, so have yet to get any meaningful statistics yet, but we are using them as Brian outlined.

All our events marketing, from newsletters to flyers etc, has a QR code linking to our online booking form and we are trialling the use of QR codes on shelf talkers, to link people to relevant online content.