I've been hearing rumblings of something called QR codes, but I had no idea what they were until Kim posted this video on Twitter the other day. After watching, you could have knocked me over with a feather. Jeff is calling 2011 "The Year of the Code," and I think he's on to something.
QR codes are perfect for the library--just perfect. The condensed version of QR codes are that they are barcodes that hold a lot of data and can be scanned using a mobile device or laptop. You decide what information you want on the barcode: it can be a URL or a written message. When you create a QR code (I've been using Kaywa to make mine), you print it out and tape it to any surface to be read by a QR scanner. Below is the QR code for my book recommendation blog.
To get a QR reader for your laptop or mobile device, there seem to be many choices of apps. Here's one to try.
Ideas swimming in my library brain:
1. Messages on QR codes about why kids like certain books. I print and tape onto the book cover.
2. QR codes linking to various book trailers.
3. Communicating better with parents about book recommendations via QR codes outside the Hub
Exciting times for libraries and librarians...
2 comments:
Barrie Jo Price had one on her lapel during the MAIS conference here in Tunis. I didn't realize they could be "homemade" so to speak.
Love it! I'm working with our Librarian here to start bringing them into the library at YIS as well. So fun & easy! Can't wait to see what you do with them!
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