Cracking the QR Code
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QR codes can hold more data than traditional barcodes and can be scanned from any angle using smartphone cameras. They allow inclusion of various types of data like web links, contact information, maps, and video. The document provides examples of how archives can use QR codes in exhibits, finding aids, maps, and surveys to provide additional digital content to patrons. It also explains how to create and scan QR codes using free online generators and smartphone apps.
Cracking the QR Code
- 1. Cracking the QR Code Laura M. Botts, C.A. Society of American Archivists August 26, 2011
- 2. What is this thing?
- 3. Think of it like a barcode…
- 4. … only better! http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com
- 5. Traditional “1-D” Barcode Must be scanned from left to right by a laser. Sources: www.veritecinc.com and www.mobile-barcodes.com
- 6. Traditional “1-D” Barcode Must be scanned from left to right by a laser. Holds limited data, up to 20 digits. Sources: www.veritecinc.com and www.mobile-barcodes.com
- 7. Traditional “1-D” Barcode Must be scanned from left to right by a laser. Holds limited data, up to 20 digits. A missing bar can give a false result, but the user won’t know. Sources: www.veritecinc.com and www.mobile-barcodes.com
- 8. Traditional “1-D” Barcode Must be scanned from left to right by a laser. Holds limited data, up to 20 digits. A missing bar can give a false result, but the user won’t know. Not recommended for use on a shiny surface because of laser reflection. Sources: www.veritecinc.com and www.mobile-barcodes.com
- 9. Expanded “2-D” Barcode Can be scanned at any angle by a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera like those in smartphones. Sources: www.veritecinc.com and www.mobile-barcodes.com
- 10. Expanded “2-D” Barcode Can be scanned at any angle by a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera like those in smartphones. Can hold 100 times more data than standard barcode, up to 7,089 digits. Sources: www.veritecinc.com and www.mobile-barcodes.com
- 11. Expanded “2-D” Barcode Can be scanned at any angle by a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera like those in smartphones. Can hold 100 times more data than standard barcode, up to 7,089 digits. Can be read accurately with up to 25% damage to code and lets the user know about failure to read. Sources: www.veritecinc.com and www.mobile-barcodes.com
- 12. Expanded “2-D” Barcode Can be scanned at any angle by a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera like those in smartphones. Can hold 100 times more data than standard barcode, up to 7,089 digits. Can be read accurately with up to 25% damage to code and lets the user know about failure to read. Can be used on shiny surfaces since reading is performed by camera, not laser. Sources: www.veritecinc.com and www.mobile-barcodes.com
- 14. Millions of Americans! http://mediaplusme.wordpress.com
- 15. Where can I find them? advertisements
- 16. Where can I find them? retail outlets Image: http://retailgeek.com
- 17. Where can I find them? museum exhibits Image: http://blog.childrensmuseum.org
- 18. Where can I find them? museum exhibits
- 19. Where can I find them? airports Image: http://www.chrisrawlinson.com
- 20. Where can I find them? library catalogs
- 21. Where can I find them? television Image: http://nydigitallab.ogilvy.com
- 22. But I’m an archivist. What good are they to me? http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com
- 23. web site link The code below… … links to this site. http://about.me/laurabotts
- 24. link a display to more information
- 25. Vcard virtual business card
- 26. Add contact / Show map / Dial number / Send email
- 27. Other Ideas for QR Codes Link an event web site to a postcard – no need to reprint cards if the schedule changes, just update the site!
- 28. Other Ideas for QR Codes Add them to student handouts, linking to contact information, services, hours, inter- library loan, etc.
- 29. Other Ideas for QR Codes Put them on library shelves containing related collections as a way to entice patrons to the archives.
- 30. Other Ideas for QR Codes Add in-depth information to displays; link to finding aids or biographical info.
- 31. Other Ideas for QR Codes Include a map to your institution on a brochure. Sites such as Google Maps allow patrons to enter their addresses for driving directions.
- 32. Other Ideas for QR Codes Provide a link to a survey on visitor satisfaction.
- 33. Other Ideas for QR Codes Add a tutorial video to your microfilm reader or photocopier.
- 34. How do I create one? Search online for “QR code generator.” QR code generator
- 35. How do I create one? Select your site, then choose the type of object you want to create.
- 36. How do I create one? Enter the information, and save the code.
- 37. Some generators allow custom colors, shading, etc. = =
- 38. How do users read them? All they need is a smartphone or tablet with a camera and a barcode scanner app.
- 39. How do users read them? Free apps are available for download, and some phones have them pre-installed.
- 40. How do users read them? Add context to let the user know what will happen when they scan. Scan here to visit my web site!
- 41. Go forth and code!
- 42. Sources comScore, Inc. press release: http://goo.gl/EhBaj Pew Internet survey on smartphones: http://goo.gl/ZD5Fj Aaron Tay’s blog post on QR codes: http://goo.gl/aR7EX Veritec Code Comparison: http://goo.gl/nq2hU Mobile Barcodes information: http://goo.gl/dgFuf List of code generators: http://goo.gl/vN9bi My blog post on QR codes: http://goo.gl/ITrhC Hyperbole and a Half: http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com
Editor's Notes
- #3: QR stands for “quick response.” These codes were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a division of Toyota, as a means to store more information than a regular barcode.
- #4: A QR code is kind of like a traditional barcode that you see every day,
- #5: But it can do so much more!
- #15: According to comScore, a digital marketing consulting firm, in June 2011, 14 million Americans scanned QR codes. Most of the users were from 18-44 and scanned codes at home or at retail stores.
- #16: This code on a Kohl’s ad immediately takes the user to their online store.
- #17: Retail outlets – Code at Best Buy links to product description and review. If online price is lower (updated more quickly), they will match it.
- #18: Museums are using them to provide additional information about exhibits.
- #20: Airports – these codes link to free books, crossword puzzles, or Sudoku games.
- #21: Library catalogs – link to call number info and/or a map of the stacks
- #22: Even on TV! The Weather Channel’s code shown here downloads their app to your smartphone. You can scan a code from a computer monitor or TV screen just like you can on paper.
- #23: I hope your wheels are spinning as you think of ways you can use QR codes in your archives.
- #24: One of the most obvious uses is to link to a web site. The code pictured here links to my About dot Me page, where you can connect with me on social networks.
- #25: The QR code on the left was part of a display I created for Homecoming at my university. Scanning it leads you to the Homecoming events website pictured on the right.
- #26: Another way to use QR codes is to create Vcards, or virtual business cards. The code shown here links to my contact information.
- #27: Options on the buttons at the bottom are to add my contact information to your phone, show a map of the street address, call me, or send me an email. All of those are enabled when you scan the code.
- #36: URL? Text? Phone number? Different code generators offer different options.
- #42: I hope I’ve shown you how easy QR codes are to use and inspired you to give them a try!