1. 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

2. 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.

3. Genesis of QR Code
QR codes were first created back in 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.

4. 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.

5. QR Codes: Structure

6. 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.

7. 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 :

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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.

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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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.

19. 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)

20. 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

21. 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.

22. QR code for downloading the Presentation from www.slideshare.net

23. Thank You