Sri Ramprasad Majumdar Information Scientist Sri Smritimoy Ghosh Application of QR Codes in Academic Libraries: With Special Reference to Central Library, Visva-Bharati By Sri Ramprasad Majumdar Information Scientist Sri Smritimoy Ghosh Professional Assistant Sri Jishnu Mondal Central Library Visva-Bharati 18th National Convention on Knowledge, Library  and Information Networking – NACLIN 2015, Gulbarga University Library, Gulbarga

Introduction Library and information services have undergone significant changes with the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It has got a further dimension with the application of Mobile devices which augments library and information services to a greater extent. In order to meet the new demands of the users, libraries are developing new models for providing access to its resources and services. Application of QR code in libraries is one such attempt. The present study has been undertaken to describe in detail the meaning of QR code, process of creating QR codes and its accessibility, advantages and limitations. Finally this paper also highlights the QR code based services being provided by the Central Library, Visva- Bharati.

Genesis of QR Code QR codes were first created back in 1994. A Toyota subsidiary named Denso Wave developed the code in order to help in the manufacturing process, they aided in tracking vehicles and parts. It was designed to allow for fast decoding speeds, hence the name Quick Response code.

QR Codes: Structure QR code is a type of barcode but it is two dimensional (vertical and horizontal) code. A QR code encodes four types of data – (i) numeric (ii) alphanumeric (iii) binary/bytes and (iv) Kanji (Chinese characters used in Japan) or mixture of these. Ability of holding information is much more in a QR code than a normal barcode.

QR Codes: Structure

QR Code and Barcode QR Code Barcode Contain data horizontal and vertical direction. Contain data horizontal direction Recordable data size large Recordable data size small Area size small Area size greater than QR code Smartphone compatible Barcode scanner is needed.

Generation of QR Code and its Access Data can be encoded into a QR code by any QR code generator. Many of which are available free online. Users simply put the data to be encoded, and the generator produces the code, which can be used electronically or in printed format. Few examples of QR code generator websites are : www.qr-code-generator.com/Free www.the-qrcode-generator.com www.goqr.me/ https://qrcode.kaywa.com/ http://qrdroid.com/generate/

Decodification Process A Mobile Phone with a Camera and QR Code Reading Software and Internet Access Snap a Picture Instant Decoding Web page/ Content Position it

Basic Requirements A specific reader device or a Mobile Phone with a camera and Internet Access Software to Decode (Freely available on the Web)

QR Codes: Advantages Small Printout Size; Recordable data size in QR codes is large; QR codes are smartphone compatible; Low cost and easy to implement; QR code has error correction capability upto 30%; Directly navigation to a website or phone number without typing them; Small Printout Size; Readable from 360o

QR Codes: limitations Not everyone is aware of QR code; Not everyone owns a smartphone and many cell phones do not include a QR code reader, the software must be downloaded and tested; The small screens of a mobile or PDA limits the amount and type of information that can be displayed at a given time; Before scanning a code, users never really know where the code is going to direct them.

QR Codes: Application Promotional landing pages and entry forms E-commerce shopping sites Product demos, videos and reviews Virtual business cards

Application of QR Codes in library Direct users to a service that’s specifically aimed at mobile devices users, such as a chat or IM reference service, or the mobile version of the library’s catalog or databases. QR code to the online Ask a Librarian site could be posted at the physical reference desk and at all public access computer workstations. Library virtual tours – QR codes can be placed in different areas of the library so visitors can access information relevant to that particular space. Audio tours can also be provided this way. Library Maps – Instead of just a map that has, Reference, Reserve, Computer Lab on it, put QR codes for every area that has a web page, so that the patron can go directly to that web page for more information.

Application of QR Codes in library Link to Phone number on a web page so people don’t have to dial the number on their phone. Link to a web page associated with an event by placing a QR code for the web page on the event's poster. Help Desk info could be posted on QR codes. Add QR codes to poster, flyers, and other library instructional or promotional materials

Some points that librarians should take into account Determining the place for attaching the codes in virtual library tours and other library resources; Not all patrons might be are aware of them; Not all patrons might have the required devices and software; Main information still need to be provided in a conventional way; The efficient display of the information need to be constantly checked; Accessibility to disable people.

QR code application in Central Library Visva-Bharati QR Code in Library OPAC Download LSearch App from ‘Google Play Store’ and install it in your mobile Scan QR Code from http://172.16.2.2:8380/opac/

QR code application in Central Library Visva-Bharati Besides the above Visva-Bharati library authority have placed QR codes at different strategic points to provide wide range of services such as IM reference service Text a Librarian Ask a Librarian link to a phone number

QR code application in Central Library Visva-Bharati: Future plans To provide Library tours (Audio/Video) via QR codes; To display QR codes in posters, flyers, and other library instructional or promotional materials; To display QR codes at different strategic points to provide ready-to-use guidelines at required locations; To generate QR codes to provide library Maps/floor plan so that the patrons can get more information; To post calendar event.

QR Codes in different places at Central Library, Visva-Bharati This code takes you to contact University Librarian This code takes you to contact Reference Librarian for Online reference service, Text a Librarian, Ask a Librarian)

QR Codes in different places at Central Library, Visva-Bharati QR Code at the office of Information Scientist User scanning QR code at Journal section QR Code at the Reference Section

Conclusion Despite the several benefits of QR codes, its effective use in libraries is related to the familiarity of library administrators, staff and end- users with the codes. The library authority should take their own initiative for mastering those competencies in order to stay relevant in the present knowledge society. For this it is recommended that library authorities should organize seminars, workshops, user awareness and orientation programmes for faculty, students and staffs at regular intervals to keep them tuned with latest technologies. The present study, though small yet it is significant and would create awareness and impetus among the library professionals to highlight the issue so that more and more libraries could implement QR code- based services.

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