1. Using QR Codes in the LLC for Promotion of Print
Jamie Davis, ORC Coordinator

2. What is a QR Code? Why should I care?
Ideas for Using QRs in the LLC
QR a book trailer and tape the QR code in the top right-hand corner of the book
QR the link to an article about an author(s) you are highlighting
Create online book clubs and offer the choices on a bulletin board in the learning commons using QR codes
Highlight some content for Remembrance Day/Read In Week/Earth Day using a QR code
Provide a link to one of the ORC databases
QR (Quick Response Codes)
A type of bar-code
Used to direct users to a website, , text, phone number, etc.
Can be read quickly and easily by a smartphone, iPad, or tablet (with QR reader app) (

3. Creating a QR Code 101

4. Step 1: Decide if a QR Code is the right option
Use Qr codes in measured and targeted ways to accomplish a specific task. i.e. promoting YRCA collection, promoting online book clubs, sharing teacher resources with staff
Avoid QRing everything - less is more.
Ask yourself:
Will the QR code make this much more accessible to my users?
Can I use a QR code to communicate with students and/or staff that might not feel comfortable or have the time to talk to me directly?
Will targeted QR codes engage users that might not otherwise be engaged?
Will QR codes draw users into my LLC space that might not normally come in?
Can I maintain my QRed resources?

5. Step 2: Select a free QR Generator
(Features colour adjust, add images)
(Features a very easy interface, and ability to create static (URL stays same always) or dynamic (URL changes as needed) QRs)
goqr.me (Features ability to add a logo to the QR)
(Features ability to add logo from gallery, own collection or design your own)

6. Step 3: Copy the Correct URL
Things to remember if you are using an article URL:
Make sure that you copy the correct URL for your QR Code because:
Articles within proprietary databases are password protected. If you copy the URL at the top of the web browser for your QR code it will not automatically open the article for users.
Using the Permalink option ensures that you have a URL with a username/password already embedded so it opens without your users having to enter a username/password. (Advanced Placement Source, Literary Reference Centre, Canadian Reference Centre, TeachingBooks.net)
In some databases the permalink is called a Bookmark (In Context databases)
In some databases you need to enter a code at the end of the browser URL in order to create a permalink (PowerKnowledge Suite, Teen Health and Wellness, Culturegrams)

7. Some Exceptions to the Permalink
The World Book databases allow you to use the URL at the top of your web browser to create a permalink.
If you are in an open website that is included in the ORC collection i.e. an article from The Canadian Encyclopedia or The Atlas of Canada
If you click on a link that takes you outside of the database i.e. going to a book trailer webpage from TeachingBooks.net
Why? Since you are no longer in a proprietary database you can use the URL at the top of the web browser for a QR code

8. Step 4: Generate your QR Code
Once you have the correct URL, copy and paste it into your preferred QR generator.
Add desired colour, image, logo, etc.
Print, download, the QR code to yourself.
Check that the QR code works before printing numerous copies.
Print and use in measured/targeted ways.

9. ORC Resources Ripe for QRing

10. TeachingBooks.net
Users can QR code a permalink from almost any TeachingBooks.net page to:
Promote the YRCA or Rocky Mountain Book Award books for the year
Book Trailers, Book Readings, Author Audio Name pronunciation
Let staff know what teaching resources are available for class novel sets in the school book room
Share the ELA Authorized Novel and Nonfiction Reading Lists for grades 4-12
Create an LLC virtual book club
Promote a different Canadian Author/Book every month
Meet the author book readings in English and French
Create school specific personalized book listings
Staff favourites, Best 7 books for grade 7, Recommended books from students

11. Explora (EBSCO Resource Interface)
Create QR codes to articles related to the different nonfiction sections of your LLC. Paste the QR code to the shelf marker. i.e. Canada’s involvement in WWII by the shelf marker for the section
Create QR codes to an interesting article about a key author or work. Paste the QR code by the related resource in the print collection.
In the magazine section create a QR code to a article about a current event.
Find an article about the historical figure your school is named for and QR code it for display in the LLC.

12. PowerKnowledge Suite
Create QR codes to articles related to the different nonfiction sections of your LLC. Paste the QR code to the shelf marker. i.e. an article about plant growth by the shelf marker for the 580 section
If there is a school-wide theme like “saving our planet” find a related article and QR code it.
*Please note that you need a code to add to the end of the URL in PowerKnowledge in order to create a permalink. Contact the ORC Coordinator for more information.

13. “In Context” Databases
Create QR codes to articles related to the different nonfiction sections of your LLC. Paste the QR code to the shelf marker. i.e. Canada’s involvement in WWII by the shelf marker for the section
In the magazine section create a QR code to articles from the embedded journals on the home pages of the four “In Context” resources.
Highlight a Canadian inventor, author, scientist, veteran, etc. by QRing a related an article.
*Remember that the permalink is called a Bookmark in the “In Context “ databases.

14. The Canadian Encyclopedia
QR veteran stories during the month of November.
Find an article about the historical figure your school is named for and QR code it for display in the LLC.
Create QR codes to articles related to the different nonfiction sections of your LLC. Paste the QR code to the shelf marker. i.e. Canada’s fur trade by the shelf marker for that section
QR code a digital exhibit to add to your related bulletin board display or display of student work.

15. Additional Support is Available
For more support on using there ORC in LLC Programming go to
What you will find:
Curriculum mapping documents
Library Programming and the ORC
Schedule an ORC session
ORC Listserv