QR Code NOWAL Event Discussion

On the 2^nd December 2011, I attended a NOWAL event at Edge Hill University. I was interested in attending this event as QR codes were being discussed and this is a topic I am currently researching and also am interested in.

At the beginning of the event we were encouraged to use our smartphones, tablets and ipads to tweet about the event through Twitter. What was interesting about this was every time someone posted a tweet about the event, a bubble machine at the front of the room burst into life filling the room with bubbles!

We were told that the possibility for the use of QR codes was limitless, and as the topic is such a new one, ideas are currently being developed constantly on how to use them. One remarkable use was shown to use through a video, which displayed the first ever QR code tattoo, the link for this is below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3qv2dSXQXk

After this introduction, the QR code seminar begun. First there was a brainstorming session, where all the librarians present discussed ways in which QR codes have been, and could be used. Some of the possibilities are linked to below:

• Linking to RSS feeds and apps
• Provided extended information which a poster would not have room to display
• Providing ‘just in time’ information’
• Creating a link between the physical and virtual

Case Study

We then listened to a case study provided by Edge Hill University. A fresher’s week competition was described to us, held in September 2010.  QR codes were linked to questions positioned in various sections of the library, and aimed to serve as an introduction to the library for new users. The competition was called the ‘Code Breaker Challenge’ and the winner would receive a £50 voucher.

The good points which arose from this case study included:

• It was easy to generate codes
• There was a novelty factor as the use of QR codes was brand new to everyone.

The bad points were:

• The challenge was too complicated
• The timing was wrong, fresher’s were too busy
• QR codes were not established enough, it was too early to use them.

The lessons formed from this competition were:

• Keep tasks simple
• Timing is very important
• Don’t be put off by the lack of success

Use of QR Codes in University

In this seminar, one use of QR codes for a university class was raised. Instead of class members creating a poster for a presentation, which was deemed too expensive, instead a presentation was created digitally, which then could be linked to by a QR code.

There were many other examples of how QR codes could be implemented into university life to help students with their studies. Another example was that lecturers could include QR codes on print outs of work, so that important web links could be provided to students.

University of Manchester Business School also described ways to use QR codes, such as on FAQ pages, blogs and newsletters. Importantly though, the fact was raised that web links must also be contained, as not everyone can use code scanning yet to receive information.

Problems with QR Codes

One of the great factors about this day was that people were raising problems that they had come across, and other people quickly pointed out solutions. One of these was the discussion of analytics in terms of evaluating QR code use. Some people attending did not know how to generate statistics for how many times a QR code had been scanned, and others quickly listed websites which made this possible. One of these mentioned was:

• http://smartytags.com/

Another problem raised was that web pages do not always render well on mobile devices. Through discussion it was raised that mobile versions of web pages could be created through formatted style sheets, which could look exactly the same as a normal web page.

Mobile Learning

One of the great factors involving QR codes raised was that through their use learning can occur anywhere we go. For example, a QR code can be scanned while at a museum,WildlifeParkthen saved, and accessed wherever we are.

Also through applications such as http://qrdroid.com/, codes you have scanned in the past can be accessed through your code scanning history. This means you can access them at a later date at your leisure.

Inclusion of Logos

 

Through discussion at this event, the University of Cumbria displayed on of their branded QR codes. QR codes allow 30% possibility of error for creators, which brands and businesses have used to include a logo. This also means that in a library QR codes for different purposes can be linked with a picture to show what action they perform.

Here is an example of a QR code with the BBC logo included:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/2697480521_f30226a75d.jpg

More logo ideas are presented at:

• http://hackaday.com/2011/08/11/how-to-put-your-logo-in-a-qr-code/

After this seminar on QR codes, we then had a very nice buffet lunch. I am glad I attended this event as it proved to be a great source of ideas for the implementation of QR codes in libraries, and in general day to day life. It was also very nice to witness how ideas can be developed through discussion and sharing of experiences.

Handheld Librarian Conference

One of our colleagues has completed a very thorough and interesting blog posting on the Handheld Librarian conference. Some very interesting stuff on new apps, and also QR codes.

http://cathmarlowe.blogspot.com/

E-Learning: More than a Yorkshire School…

 

We’ve been looking at some different e-learning providers over the last couple of weeks. This is part of a major overhaul of the University’s development team, alongside our own changes in Library and Student Support.  We are still at the scoping stage, but some interesting points have already come up. A key for us is the monitoring and management information in any system. It is amazing how different this can be. The other area is do you want one size fits all, something that can support training in everything from leadership development to manual handling – or a piece by piece approach to support key strategies. These can obviously make a huge difference to costs.

I will try and keep you posted, but if anyone has any experience or thoughts on this area I would love to hear them!

Oh, and apologies for the terrible pun of a title, shamelessly adapted form “I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue”!

Welcome to Nicola!

Nicola Siminson, the new NOWAL officer, visited Liverpool this week as part of her induction, prior to commencing work in March. She spent some time with both Ian Jackson and I  discussing  issues and ideas for taking forward the development side of NOWAL. Nicola will be based at the John Rylands Library in Manchester, and brings a variety of experience to the role , including her current role working for the JORUM  repository service. I am sure I speak for the rest of the group when I say we are all looking forward to working with Nicola.

Tai Chi and managing change

The NWSDG retreat at Storrs Hall was a very enjoyable and invigorating event. It is a good mix of personal development and best practice, allied to some useful networking.

The phrase “in the current climate” was much in use, as it is in many development events. This underlined contributions from Paul Dixon from the University of Manchester , and LJMU’s own John Trantom. The tone was refreshingly honest on how development and training is perceived across the region, and also how we could change to meet demands for greater convergence of services, while also supporting colleagues facing huge structural challenges.

it was interesting that an instant on-line survey of the 25 delegates revealed the 88%  expected their bespoke training to increase for 2011…

In the personal development side there was a bracing  one hour introduction to Tai-chi. This proved just a wee bit challenging for some of us. My muscles are still reverberating!

Overall, it was a useful and inspiring two days. I will hopefully post some more photos in the near future.

NW HE Staff Developers Network

    The annual retreat for the Network takes place at Storrs Hall tomorrow and Friday. The theme is “Business as Usual? can we change makers-or will change break us?” . The focus will be upon best practice and networking , with a particular view on the relevance of staff development to the business partnership model.

The event has a very good reputation in the development field and with around 25 professionals from across the region’s Universities should be fruitful, and hopefully enjoyable!

I will update the blog with some feedback next week.

NoWAL Exchange of Experience Event – Reading list Software

NoWAL Exchange of Experience Event – Reading list Software

Date:                      Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Time:                     1.30pm – 4.30pm (NB.  Lunch will be  provided from 12.30pm)

Location:               Main Library, University of Manchester,  Oxford Rd, Manchester

Reading/resource lists are becoming an increasingly important part of University Library activity; NoWAL have arranged for speakers from several University libraries in the North West (Liverpool, Salford, Chester, Manchester) to describe how they manage the process.  A speaker will also be coming from Talis to demonstrate their new reading list solution, Talis Aspire.  The final session will be a Q & A session chaired by Stella Butler, Deputy University Librarian, University of Manchester

Cost : £15 per participant, limited to three from each institution, maximum of 40 participants

To reserve your place, please call Pamela Morris at the University of Manchester, on 0161-275-3700, or email Pamela.morris@manchester.ac.uk. 

Special requirements – if you have any dietary or other requirements, please mention this when making your booking.

If you have any questions about the programme please contact Martin Snelling email martin.snelling@manchester.ac.uk

Get it right with Eventbrite…?

Happy New Year everyone!

As we look at changing how we organise development events in the new NOWAL structure, there has been a suggestion that we consider Eventbrite, the free events organising package.  We used this package for three development sessions organised in November, following a suggestion from Mandy Phillips.

The sessions were focused on writing for the web, and were delivered by Netskills. We trialled Eventbrite with these as they covered different sessions with different staff at different sites. Although there was the usual this-is-new-how-do-I work-this panic, it was, in retrospect, extremely easy to set up. We entered in the dates, locations, the names and e-mails of attendees and the software did the rest; sent out invitations, tracked replies, issued reminders, copied Mandy and I into comments, and forwarded on-line tickets for the sessions. We also had the option of going in to the software check-in-lists, printing name badges and running varied analysis of the replies and confirmations.

As a first try, I thought that it was a very useful piece of equipment. We used it for dedicated staff, but it is equally adaptable for simply setting an event up and advertising it, something they do quite regularly. Have a look at this listing for a local “Social Media Morning”. as an example.

So, although we haven’t formally evaluated how it worked, my initial impression is very positive. Perhaps if other development group members could have a look we could agree some actions on using this to organise future events?

Delicious but out of flavour

Interesting to hear that the social bookmarking site Delicious is closing down/being sold.  In my days as a subject librarian I found it very helpful indeed, similarly when overseeing our mobile technologies project. However, it’s recently not appearing as high on my radar and was wondering why this was? I think it definitely is a victim of the ease with which we can use other tools, particularly Twitter, for sharing useful  links. What do colleagues think?

For what it is worth my delicious links can be found here.

New blog added!