Putting QR Codes to the Test
Jason Coleman
Undergraduate & Community Services Librarian
Kansas State University Libraries
Leo Lo
Research & Development Librarian
Kansas State University Libraries
http://about.me/leoslo
Danielle Theiss
Head of Public Services
Rockhurst University Libraries
A QR Code
The Decoded Message:
(for the humanoids)
Thank you for coming. You look beautiful today.
Skepticism
"People will not adopt a technical solution that
serves to replace a manual task, if that solution
is less efficient than the manual task it
replaces. How could we think that QR codes for
marketing would work any better than CueCat?
Did we not learn the first time?"
by Sean X Cummings
Link to comments on a library-related blog ------------->
Mobile Technology
Location based information
Linking the physical & the digital
worlds
<-->
Our studies
Survey: To find out what our users think about QR codes and
some of the possible usage.
Our studies (cont'd)
Pilot Study: We placed QR Codes in different locations in the
library and tracked the number of times they were scanned.
Our studies (cont'd)
Focus Groups:
• Speed tests
• Preference of QR code signs
• Find a room using a QR code vs find a room using
traditional library signage.
• Discussion
Why, Where, What, How
•
•
•
•
Why should we use QR codes instead of any other tool?
Where should the QR codes be placed?
What information should the QR codes lead to?
How should the QR codes be presented?
Why Use Them?
Why Use Them?
Smartphones are Becoming Ubiquitous
Why Use Them?
QR Code Readers are Affordable and Easy to Use
http://socialwayne.com/2010/08/30/code-reader-iphone-apps/
Why Use Them?
These people will be our patrons:
http://www2.tbo.com/news/moms/2011/oct/26/squirmy-toddlertheres-an-app-for-that-ar-298347/
http://www.nassaulibrary.org/centreblog/2010/12/iphones
_and_ipads_and_apps_oh.html
Why Use Them?
Save Time
1. Scan the QR code
2. Visit this url:
http://ksulib.typepad.com/talking/2006/04/k-state-keepsak.html
3. Visit this url:
http://goo.gl/4ZFMA
Task 1
Task 2
Task 3
8 seconds (n = 13)
82.5 seconds (n = 14)
24 seconds (n = 14)
Why Use Them?
Hyperlink Reality
source:
http://www.qrstuff.com/qr_code_examples.html
Source:
http://mashable.com/2011/06/
14/qr-code-dress-webbys/
source: http://mashable.com/2011/07/15/qrcode-tombstone/
Where Should We Use Them?
Point of need
• Examples:
o A librarian's contact info on the
librarian's office door.
o Study room reservation form on
the study room door.
o Maps at the entrance, or at the
points where users might be
lost.
The Room-finding Adventure
• Find a room using a QR code that leads to this map.
• Find the same room using physical signage in the library.
The Room-finding Adventure
• QR Code: avg. 193 secs (n=5)
o A mistake on the map caused one person to go the
wrong way. Take away that time, the average time
was: 153.75 secs (n=4)
• Library Signage: avg. 170.3 secs (n=3)
Comments:
• Re: library signage: "Needs better signage at stairwells bigger map with better information". A point of need.
• Re: QR Code:
o "The map needs to be mobile friendly"
o "Would prefer a pdf map that could be saved on the
phone".
o Needs to show the 'you are here' spot.
The Room-finding Adventure
The Room-finding Adventure
Conclusions:
• There are several points of need for the library map - e.g.
the entrance, and the stairwells.
• In addition to where the QR code is placed, it is equally
important for the map to be mobile friendly, easy to read,
and could be saved on the phone for future uses.
• In other words, what information is delivered is just as
important as where the QR code is located.
What Should They Do?
What Should They Do?
Survey Question:
Please rate each of the following ideas for how K-State
Libraries could use QR Codes
Scale:
1 (love it)
2
3 (neutral)
4
5 (hate it)
What Should They Do?
On DVD cabinets - link to movie trailers
What Should They Do?
On equipment (e.g., microform machines) - link to tutorials on
how to use them
What Should They Do?
In various library locations: link to self-guided library tour
What Should They Do?
On self check-out machines - link to your library account
What Should They Do?
On stacks/books/journals - link to related digital resources
Andrew Walsh (2009) “QR codes, text a librarian
and more...” [Presentation: Extreme makeover:
Transforming the face of your Library Service
conference in Leeds, U.K.] 26 Oct. 2009.
What Should They Do?
Pilot Study (40 signs displayed from April 25, 2011 through May 15, 2011)
r
f
59 scans
24 scans
8 scans
What Should They Do?
Focus Group Question:
K-State Libraries is considering several possible uses of QR
Codes. Please tell us what you think of each of the following
ideas.
What Should They Do?
Placing QR codes on book jackets to link to a list of
related books
13 of 13 replied that they liked this idea.
What Should They Do?
Placing a sign near our DVDs with QR codes linking to
trailers of some of them:
14 responses:
•
•
•
•
•
•
I would scan them avidly
I might use them if I were looking for a particular DVD, but otherwise no
I would prefer to have the QR code tell me where to find the DVD
This is a good idea. It is like a shopping market idea.
I might use them
9 said "yes, I would use them"
What Should They Do?
Placing QR codes near equipment to link to an online
video tutorial showing how to use the equipment
13 responses:
o I would not scan them because I prefer text-based
directions. Video tutorials are annoying
o I would prefer text instructions
o I could see myself using these
o It is not necessary. It would be better to have written
instructions on the sign.
o It would be better to have the video show on the screen
of the print station
o 8 said they would like this
What Should They Do?
Placing QR codes on signs throughout the building. The
codes would call the help desk when scanned. The
phone number would also be placed on the sign.
13 responses:
o yes, I would opt for the convenience of a QR code
o no, but a map would be helpful
o 2 said a map would help and that they would dial the
number but would not scan a QR code to call a number.
o 9 said they would prefer to dial the number
What Should They Do?
Placing QR codes on maps. Provide individual QR codes
for different destinations.
5 responses:
o I like having qr codes that give maps with arrows
o This would help me navigate. Maps are easy to use.
o I would use these on my phone
o 2 said they like this idea
What Should They Do?
Placing QR codes on signs asking for feedback. The QR
code would link to a blog that accepts comments.
10 of 10 said they like this idea
What Should They Do?
Placing QR codes on signs around campus to create a
audio tour.
8 of 8 said they like this idea
What Should They Do?
Placing QR codes on signs around the library to create a
audio tour.
2 responses:
I like this but would prefer to also have the option of a tour guide. The
self service tour could give a little information and the tour guide could
give more details. I would like both to include interesting stories.
o This is good, but it is important to have other options since not all
people have smartphones and sometimes they do not work.
o
source:http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/events/national/201
1/papers/qr_codes.pdf
What Should They Do?
Placing QR codes on catalog results. When scanned the
QR code will display the title, the call number, and the
location.
2 responses:
o
o
Very helpful especially if there is also a map to the item
I like this
What Should They Do?
Other Suggestions.
Have a sign with the call numbers and qr codes that show where they
are on a map
o find areas where people study (via qr codes linking to a map)
o I would like to use QR codes to find what kinds of books the library has
and to see whether they can be checked out. It would be helpful to have
QR codes show what books are useful for a particular subject and to
also have them recommend other books. I would like to see QR codes
that help me find the books.
o I would like to use them to find particular books.
o
What Should They Do?
Conclusions
Patrons are more likely to scan QR codes if:
They believe the target will help them accomplish
something they want to do
o They believe the target will yield secrets they cannot
otherwise discover
o They believe the target will be easy to digest
o
What Should They Do?
http://blog.libraryjournal.com/bubbleroom/files/2011
/05/chrissy1.jpg
How Should They be Presented?
How Should They Be Presented?
Focus Group Question:
Imagine that you see the following four signs on the end of a
shelf. Which QR code would you be most likely to scan?
How Should They Be Presented?
Results:
16 respondents:
8 chose the instructions
4 chose the long url
3 chose the short url
1 chose the plain sign
How Should They Be Presented?
Focus Group Question:
Imagine that you see the following five signs on the end of a
shelf. Which QR code would you be most likely to scan?
How Should They Be Presented?
Results:
16 respondents:
10 chose the middle size
3 chose the second largest size
3 chose the largest size
How Should They Be Presented?
Focus Group Question:
Imagine that you see the following three signs on the end of a
shelf. Which QR code would you be most likely to scan?
How Should They Be Presented?
Results:
9 respondents:
5 chose the normal purple code
3 chose the strange purple code
1 chose the black and white code
Tips for making QR Codes
Don't get too fancy
Tips for making QR Codes
Make them look official
source: http://ccclib.org/images/qr/Library%20poster-2a.jpg
Tips for making QR Codes
Include Instructions
source: http://luckie.net/pdf/LuckieDigital_Insights_QRcodes_FINAL.pdf
Tips for making QR Codes
Use short urls to generate the code
source: http://luckie.net/pdf/LuckieDigital_Insights_QRcodes_FINAL.pdf
Presentation
http://bit.ly/brickandclick2011qrcodes
Handout
http://bit.ly/brickandclick2011qrcodeshandout