QR+Codes

toc = QR Codes =

About
QR Codes, formally quick response codes, are a two dimensional barcode. They contain information both horizontally and vertically, which means they can store more information than traditional barcodes. Originally, they were developed by a Toyota subsidiary in order to speed up automation lines (DensoWaveInc, 2010). However, their incredible increase in popularity is due in part to the fact that anyone can create one. They were created in a open source environment and have no copyright or licensing requirements. This coupled with the proliferation of smartphones, means anyone carrying a phone has a portable QR code reader in their pocket. There are a number of websites, such as Kaywa.com and Google that offer both QR generators and readers for free. The image below describes the structural makeup of a code matrix.



Applications
The codes can contain text, contact information, or URL's to name a few applications. QR codes are now heavily used as a promotional tool for businesses, non-profits, educational systems, etc. Because of the codes versatility organizations can make virtually any information available to their customers in a moments notice.

While the commercial applications may be more obvious; the codes create an interactive or social way for businesses to advertise to their customers, use of the codes can be just as beneficial for non-profits, libraries, and information centers.



Why QR Codes?

 * 1) Their purpose is to disseminate information, which is the heart of our industry.
 * 2) It gives your users another access point to your information center, your website, your resources.
 * 3) It's free. It only starts to cost money if you want to start producing them for large volumes of items, say for manufacturing or inventory purposes and those expenses are for labels, designated scanners and printers, and are similar to costs associated with any other barcoding projects.
 * 4) What the codes can grant users access to can only be limited by your imagination and copyright laws. ;)
 * 5) They are interactive. In today's fast paced, social media based society interactivity is key to creating connections with your users.

Ideas & Tips

 * 1) Couple traditional advertising with the QR codes. Every poster, flyer, brochure, business card, etc., should have a QR code. This creates an immediate access point to more information for your user. Rather than having to recall the information on the poster at a later time, the user can simply scan the code with their phone and then be connected immediately to more information via text message, email, or link to a website.
 * 2) That said, the information they are connected to needs to be new and meaningful. The action of scanning these codes and seeing what you're going to be connected to is still novel. You would lose that novelty quickly if users connected to a general homepage for your organization every time.
 * 3) Use the QR codes as a teaser for upcoming events or available resources. If your museum has a new exhibit, have the code link to a preview of some of the exhibition. If your library is having a guest speaker, have the code link to a YouTube clip of the presenter. If your information center has a new collection, have the code link to highlights of the collection or of some of the work contained within it.