It seems as though QR codes are catching on when it comes to marketing (especially in Japan where they originated) and now libraries are figuring out ways QR codes can work for them. What happened to ensuring access for everyone? It's my understanding that QR codes require a user to snap a picture with their camera phone to access a downloaded application to then view the intended website associated with the black and white square. So, what about the people that don't have Internet access on their phones? I would hate to design a program or instruction session activity involving QR codes without knowing everyone I am trying to reach has more than just a basic cell phone. The last thing I want is to exclude patrons by using QR codes just so I can participate in a new trend. Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Not so sure about QR Codes
It seems as though QR codes are catching on when it comes to marketing (especially in Japan where they originated) and now libraries are figuring out ways QR codes can work for them. What happened to ensuring access for everyone? It's my understanding that QR codes require a user to snap a picture with their camera phone to access a downloaded application to then view the intended website associated with the black and white square. So, what about the people that don't have Internet access on their phones? I would hate to design a program or instruction session activity involving QR codes without knowing everyone I am trying to reach has more than just a basic cell phone. The last thing I want is to exclude patrons by using QR codes just so I can participate in a new trend. 
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Katy, I think that is an excellent point. I often have discussions with my parent about how smartphones only increase the digital divide. It is never a good idea to limit students' access in instruction, especially if they don't have something as simple as the technology!
ReplyDeleteI really don't get QR codes, and I say that as someone who loves her smartphone. They seem like a transitional technology that will disappear soon. Eventually I'm sure someone will come up with an easier way to follow a "real life" hyperlink to a website, preferably one that is also human readable.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The NYLA Academic Libraries conference had a lot of sessions that talked about QR codes and augmented reality (including one rather pretentious presenter who provided his contact information ONLY by QR code!). I thought some of the applications seemed really interesting, especially when incorporated into tours and exhibits, but it's not even something I could try since I don't have a smartphone. Guess I'm on the wrong side of the digital divide on this one...
ReplyDeleteYeah, until a student asks, "hey do you have a QR code for that?" I am not on this bandwagon. AM, that is ridic the presenter only had his contact info via QR code. I probably would've held up my flip phone and said "what are poor new librarians supposed to do with that?" and then frown.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if someone was perhaps envisioning The Future, when everyone at an academic library has a smartphone? I'm certainly not advocating that students all be forced to buy them, but I'm thinking about my dad's college making it mandatory that students have Macs for a while... I think that's over now, but maybe in a scenario like that, the QR code thing would make sense. (Personally, I did not even know what they were and had to look it up on Wikipedia. Talk about the wrong side of the digital divide...)
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