QR Codes in the Library

The "What is?" 20x30 inch sign introduces the library's new QR code service to patrons.

Our library is set to roll out its first stage of QR Code services. "What is a QR code?" you may be asking. Basically, a QR code is a special barcode. When scanned by smart phones (you take a picture of the QR code with your smart phone), the code delivers content back to the phone, such as websites, applications, and information.


Our library mobile website/app officially launches on July 1 and is already featured in the latest issue of ACLD’s THINK…,  now online here: http://www.aclib.us/about/blog/think-newsletter-and-summer-program-guide . The app is called LibraryAnywhere, but most users will consider it to be ACLD’s “mobile site.” For an overview of why adding this service is important for libraries, read Why Worry about Mobile? . It will reveal some very interesting trends in mobile phone versus desktop computer usage and quite potentially its relevance to why libraries should be thinking about both its consumer impact and relevance to services their library offers.

Information about the library's new QR code program is
described in the Summer issue of THINK... newsletter. 

To introduce our newest eBranch services to patrons, I developed a few print items, the first being a 20x30 inch sign that will sit on an easel in a prominent area. The sign displays a large QR Code and asks the increasingly popular question: "What is a QR Code?" The answer is provided and additional QR codes on the sign offer the opportunity to be scanned to show examples of the kinds of places codes can take smart phone users. 

After that, two 8.5x11 inch signs placed at reference desk areas announce that they provide Contact information. Not to leave out those without smart phones, a website address is printed directly under the word "CONTACT" for their reference.

Further into the library, attached to bookshelves are 4x5.25 inch signs that encourage patrons to scan the QR codes on the sign to "DOWNLOAD" the necessary apps that allow them to read materials on their smart phone. 


A 3x4 inch mini sign saying "SEARCH" will be placed near interesting items inside the library that can also be accessed online by simply scanning the QR code on the sign. Patrons could open up the library website to place a book on hold, look for related materials, download ebook or audio book, be directed to a video--a variety of possibilities exist.


And to help us gauge their interest and participation in our QR code efforts, one additional 3x4 sign, "LIKE", can be used to scan. When scanned, it will take users to our Facebook web page where they can then provide feedback comments to the library staff.


Each sign maintains a consistent format, utilizing a dominant, scannable QR code, a single instructive action word ("contact," "search," etc), website URL under the actionable word for those who don't have a smart phone to refer to, a small icon associated to the actionable word, a solid colour border that matches the background of the icon colour, and our library branding.

A colour-coded system of signs appear throughout 
the library for smart phone users.

To kick off the exercise, the following quantities were printed, laminated for durability, and trimmed to size:
What is?: 1x 20x30 inch sign
CONTACT: 5x each of two different 8.5x11 inch signs
DOWNLOAD: 30 each of both the Android and iPhone version signs
SEARCH: 40x 3x4 inch mini signs
LIKE: 20x 3x4 inch mini signs

Left: 8.5x11 inch sheets of mini signs after they came out of the large laminator.
Right: hand-trimming out the 90+ mini signs after laminating.