It seems I have been seeing more and more mentions of QR (Quick Response) codes in my daily web intake. I’ve mentioned QR Codes before, but today I came across two instances where QR codes are being used to augment (see Amy’s post about augmented reality & video link about it here) or enhance your interaction with a product/thing. The first mention incorporates QR codes into a physical book. Here’s the video explaining how it works:

The other has to do with electronic retailer Best Buy, and how they’re putting QR codes in their magazine adverts. This signifies a wider acceptance of the use of QR codes to facilitate product to consumer interaction. Similarly, some intrepid libraries are using QR codes to disseminate information and interact with patrons. We at Boise State Library are using QR codes in our blog and to showcase a new SMS reference service.

I have used code-creating websites to make my own QR codes based on specific uses, such as creating my virtual business card or to link to a web address. You will need to have a smart phone that can scan these codes using applications like Google Goggles or Barcode Scanner, but once you do, and you see a square pixelated graphic, give it a scan and see where it takes you.

How can libraries use this mobile shortcut-to-information to augment their patron’s realities?

My v-card