On the 2nd 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:
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:
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.
