When I first started this assignment, I had no clue as to what quick response codes were. One friend described them as "boxes with Alien Hieroglyphics". Having created one and having done some research the applications were far more then I thought.
Originally designed to keep track of parts in vehicle manufacturing by a Japanese company, the desire and need for easier commerce and expression of information adapted the Codes to new applications. In public, these codes on ads or on buildings allow a user with a mobile phone to scan the image and be immediately linked to more information about it. For the Library, users can scan books to find out reviews and other data about a book, media or even video materials. They can link to the various databases to find if there are other books perhaps by that author or in that series or genre, or look to see if another location would have that material. As the codes can include text it is also great for those mobile phone users without a data subscription.
Non-obvious applications would be to post QR signs at various points in the library for directions to various locations. Further linked to this would be to get information from a digital catalog, and then scan the QR codes for directions to find the one specific book you were looking for. Another QR code could be used to send a Text request for assistance from a Librarian on duty.
Faster and more indepth access and data are all hallmarks of quick response codes. The fact that people can make them easily without need for special proprietary purchase of software makes them more appealing. The applications and uses are as varied as our patrons. I look forward to seeing what can happen next.
