Many libraries now recognize it as a novel way to keep patrons and students engaged. In schools, students have fun using QR codes on their smart phones and teachers enjoy looking for new, creative ways to use them.
4 IDEAS FOR QR CODES IN LIBRARIES:
I: QR codes are excellent for creating more accessible exhibits. No matter the topic of the exhibit, it's possible to create podcasts describing items and then attach QR codes to the item linking to the podcast. Visually impaired patrons who have difficulty reading the textual description beside an item could then (perhaps with the help of library staff or a friend) scan the the QR code and listen to a short podcast naming and describing the item. The code could also be placed at the start of a tour so the patron could download a tour-cast that leads them through the exhibit.
II: With a little know-how, it's possible to create QR codes for voting purposes. Schools could benefit from this in so many different ways, from placing QR codes on posters or fliers next to candidates' names during class elections, to using QR codes to vote on favorite pieces of art during art class showcases.
III: We can encourage students to use QR codes on their class displays (think science fair projects) to link to multimedia. Similarly, we can use QR codes in different classrooms to link to multimedia such as in history classes (link to YouTube videos detailing historical events - a little more interesting to watch than to simply read!) or in English classes (link to videos with performances of Shakespeare.)
IV: Check out how Florida State's law library is using QR codes! I love that they're letting patrons get to know their librarians by posting photos of the librarians along with QR codes linking to information about them. They're also posting QR codes near reference materials so that patrons can directly link to the online version of those materials. While it's also find to stick a piece of paper up there with a link, patrons with tablets like iPads will be able to access the site more quickly by simply scanning the code.
MY QR CODE PROJECT: Quick Spooks!
The QR code project I've created would make a fun Halloween library display that would not only intrigue older middle school students and high school students, but make their English teachers happy!
I created a printable pdf flier that can be posted around the school and in the library, as well as its equivalent in a 16x20 poster (printable at 300 dpi) with a list of six classic horror stories. Next to the description of each horror story is a QR code that, when scanned, takes the user directly to a website with the full text of the story.
I can imagine curious students scanning the QR code to the story they're interested in, and spending time lounging in the library to read it or even pulling the link up at home again. English teachers who may assign the stories during this time could also feel free to use the .pdf flier in their classrooms as a handout to students (perhaps something they could keep in case they lost their hard copy of the story) and librarians could display the poster in the media center along with other Halloween decorations.
The printable flier and poster are free to use, and downloadable via my MediaFire account!
Download the .pdf flier here: http://goo.gl/SdtKt
Download the 16x20 300dpi poster here: http://goo.gl/RQtFK
This post is for assignment: "Fiesta 8, SLIS 603."
