A Conference Presentation About QR Codes and Library Instruction by Andrew Walsh (Yes, Same Person Who Wrote the Popular Article)
You and your colleague might have read the journal article but what about listening and reviewing a presentation on the topic by the author of the journal article?
ResourceShelf is one of many sites to link to the article.
But, there is more!
Did you know that Andrew Walsh presented a conference program with the same title and he's made presentation slides, audio of the entire session, and a clever one page handout available on the web?
The presentation might be something that you and your colleagues might find useful to review and listen to in addition to reading the journal article. At the conclusion of this post you'll find even more material by Mr. Walsh on QR Codes and other electronic library topics. We hope you share this post with your colleagues, especially the ones who might have already read the journal article.
Conference Presentation: QR Codes – Using Mobile Phones to Deliver Library Instruction and Help at the Point of Need
by Andrew Walsh, University of Huddersfield
“Knowledge of the end user’s location will be used to deliver relevant, timely, and engaging content and information. … these services can help reduce confusion, improve the consumption experience, and deliver high-quality service options.” (Rao & Minakakis, 2003)
Though true location aware devices such as GPS enabled ‘phones are becoming more common (e.g., the latest iPhone includes GPS and compass) developing services that “augment” reality is unrealistic for most libraries due to time; money and technical constraints.
There is an easier option though – using small printed codes, such as QR codes, around the library that link to resources and information appropriate to their location.
QR (Quick Response) codes are a matrix codes, like a two dimensional bar code. They can be read by mobile ‘phones with integrated cameras, with a small application installed. Some mobiles come with the application ready installed, though it can also be download for free from the internet and installed on PDAs, smartphones and other mobile devices.
At the University of Huddersfield we have used QR codes to deliver context appropriate help and information to blur the boundaries between the physical and electronic world. We’ve developed mobile friendly materials to deliver information skills materials directly to our users at the point of need, linked by QR codes on printed materials and on appropriate locations in the physical library.
I recently outlined some potential uses of QR codes in libraries (Walsh, 2009), this talk will outline the practical uses we’ve found for them and give preliminary results of how they’ve been received by our library users.
A visit to the Andrew Walsh section of the University of Huddersfield e-Print Archive will reveal a large number of papers and presentations on electronic libraries, texting (SMS) and the library, info literacy, a video overview of Summon, and much more. A real treasure chest of content. 21 items as of today.
So, that's the story. Excellent content to go along with the journal article that you and/or your colleagues might have read or will read.
Source: University of Huddersfield e-Print Archive, LILAC
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