Vol. 1 No. 2 (2010)
Fare il punto

Quick Response Code in Library Services

Stefano Gambari
Biblioteca della Casa della memoria e della storia, Roma

Published 2010-11-14

Keywords

  • QR,
  • OPAC,
  • Biblioteche,
  • Marketing

How to Cite

Gambari, Stefano. 2010. “Quick Response Code in Library Services”. JLIS.It 1 (2):383-407. https://doi.org/10.4403/jlis.it-4494.

Abstract

Through the help of many examples, the author analyzes the uses of the Quick Response (QR) Code in libraries. QR is a bidimensional code composed by black and white pixels into a squared matrix, containing information to be enjoyed with the help of smartphones or similar devices. Scanning the code, which is usually printed on newspapers, posters, or captions, and processing it with ad-hoc software, users can obtain additional information and data on objects or services without extra searches.Considering the widespread circulation of mobile devices (such as smartphones) among users, many libraries are experimenting the usage of the QR to deliver library services in a friendly and quick way. The Half Hollow Hills Community Library (New York), the Abilene Christian University (Texas), and the San Diego State University Library are using the QR code to give their users access to guides, manuals, library map, audio and video files. The University of Huddersfield Library (United Kingdom) applies the QR code to various areas: links to electronic resources, explanatory videos, phone numbers, and as a support of the library's OPAC.The University of Bath Library's online catalogue automatically incorporates into catalographic records, both of monographs and journals, QR codes encoding author, title, and call number. However, the widespread use of QR codes is due to the fact that users own a smartphone, and that many OPACs are made to be explored and navigated with such kind of devices.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...