10 Ways to Use QR Codes in School Libraries
Libraries are the gateway to knowledge. But these libraries are often understaffed and uninviting to students. Overcome these challenges by using QR codes in school libraries.
Libraries are a great source of knowledge. They play a fundamental role in students learning.
But some students take these school libraries for granted and categorize libraries as boring places.
There are also libraries where librarians have a hard time managing tasks and can no longer help students find the materials they need.
This often discourages students.
Make your libraries systematic and engaging by using QR code technology. Here are 10 ways to use QR codes in school libraries.
- What is a QR code?
- 10 ways to use QR codes in school libraries
- To have an interactive library experience
- To provide a convenient library process
- Allow students to find books conveniently.
- For library promotion
- To boost website traffic and increase social media followers
- Allow students to reach out to you easily
- To launch activities such as scavenger hunt
- To conduct a library contest
- To access the libraries music and other art collection
- Contact tracing
- Why do you need a QR code in school libraries
- Liven up your libraries using QR codes now
What is a QR code?
Quick Response codes or QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes.
But unlike the traditional barcodes that only store and display alphanumeric data, QR codes can store and display more complex data.
It can store URLs that can redirect you to various content.
These contents may be a website, a social media account, or files such as videos, photos, and pdf.
These codes can also be scanned and read using mobile phones.
Therefore, you will no longer have to buy scanning devices, and can be easily accessed by anyone who has a smartphone.
Related: QR Code Types: 16+ Primary QR Code Solutions
10 ways to use QR Codes in school libraries
To have an interactive library experience
Provide a fun experience for students and encourage them to enter the library using QR codes.
Lawrence University Seeley G. Mudd Library and Harold B. Lee Library (HBLL) at BrighamYoung University (BYU) uses QR code for students and interactive and flexible library experience for their students.
Both university libraries used QR codes for virtual tours.
In HBLL, they spread a total of 21 QR codes throughout the library.
These QR codes are used to provide an audio tour for the students where they can hear and learn the necessary information for the post-tour quiz.
To provide a convenient library process
Save your students from the hassle of typing and searching for your website to book a study group room reservation.
HBLL and Biblioteca Rector Gabriel Ferraté. Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (BRGF) uses QR codes for their study group rooms reservation.
They display these QR codes in each study group room where the newly arrived students can easily scan them.
This saves the students from looking for a computer or searching through the library mobile site to book a reservation.
Allow students to find books conveniently.
While in San Diego State University library, they attached QR codes on their catalogs that allow you to find more information about the book you want to borrow.
When scanned, these QR codes show the book title, the number you can contact, the floor where the book is located, and if it is still available.
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For library promotion
Another QR code library hack is using it to promote your school library and provide more information about the library systems.
To provide more information to the students, George Fox University (GFU) Library uses a QR code that directs to their YouTube channel.
On their Youtube channel, students can learn about the GFU library website and how to find and request various research materials such as books, DVDs,s and videos.
Related: Create a Video QR Code in 5 Steps: Show a Video in a Scan
To boost website traffic and increase social media followers
QR code also has features that allow you to direct scanners to your website or social media platforms.
Therefore, lowing you to boost website traffic and increase social media followers.
Allow students to reach out to you easily
For students to be able to contact the librarian easily, Syracuse University Library Learning Commons utilizes QR codes.
They displayed a QR code on the bottom of the bookmark.
When these QR codes are scanned, it redirects them to their Research Assistance webpage.
Another example is a QR code use case at Seeley G. Mudd Library.
They used QR codes for students to be able to send text directly to them when the students had questions about the interlibrary loan.
To launch activities such as scavenger hunt
Let the students experience more than books in your libraries by creating games and other activities.
Lafayette College Library created an engaging way for students to learn. They conducted an open house event using QR codes.
These QR codes are used to give hints for their scavenger hunt.
QR codes allow you to store and display various data and files such as photos, videos, and audio, making it a great tool for conducting a treasure hunt.
These codes can also be scanned using smartphones, making them accessible.
Related: File QR Code Converter: Share Your Files in a Scan
To conduct a library contest
There are many ways to utilize QR codes, including conducting a contest. Reward frequent students by conducting a contest using QR codes.
You can redirect them to your email, where they can send their information and entries.
Then reward the winner with a week’s reservation in your study group room.
RMIT University Library also uses QR codes for its contests.
To access the libraries music and other art collection
ACU Library uses QR codes to link its song collection and electronic music resources.
Contact tracing
Due to the pandemic, we are now living in the new normal where you need to provide your basic information for contract tracing.
Make this process faster by using QR codes. RMIT University requires visitors to scan a QR code upon entering the building for contract tracing.
With this QR code, it will be easier to trace and contact the students that entered the library in case of a pandemic outbreak.
Why do you need a QR code in school libraries
Easy to use
Most students nowadays have and spend most of their time using mobile phones.
Using QR codes in school libraries, you can easily redirect students to engaging and informative information about your library without spending or typing it on the internet.
All they need to do is scan the code using their mobile phones.
QR codes offer wireless technology and an electricity-free and hassle-free experience.
You can print and display these QR codes in any medium, online or offline, and these codes can still be scannable and readable.
Can redirect to various contents
QR codes can store and redirect scanners to almost all the content on the internet, from websites to files.
Therefore, making these codes flexible. With creative strategies, these codes can be used in almost anything.
From sharing content, providing information, promotion, advertising, easier service process, and many more.
Less Expensive
A lot of service processes can be made easier using QR codes.
With this QR code, you will no longer have to hire other personnel or buy expensive software.
There are also QR codes that you can even generate for free.
Liven up your libraries using QR codes now
Technology is now rapidly advancing.
New devices have been invented to make our lives convenient and systematic.
The QR technology provides convenience and an engaging experience that can be useful in many fields, including education.
As one of the primary sources of knowledge, school libraries should create an experience that encourages students to visit the facility more often.
Make an engaging and systematic library experience for your students without spending more.
Achieve all of these by generating and displaying QR codes.
You can create your own QR code library with the QR TIGER website to learn more about QR codes.
