Using+QR+Codes+in+the+School+Library

Michelle

The most powerful implications for QR codes in the school library are engaging patrons and marketing the library!

Use a QR code on posters around the school that links teachers, students, and parents to the library OPAC.

Use a code as a fundraiser campaign to promote awareness of new library materials.

Use a code to share library needs and to drive in donations to the school library.

Use a code to conduct needs assessments which are used in planning for acquisitions to the library.

Place a code on the back of popular books which link to a saved book list of other books the student might enjoy.

Use a code to link to a Google form or other simple survey in mobile format which solicits feedback about library services.

Place a code on newsletters, notes home, etc. to direct parents to the library website, wiki, or other service tool.

Place a code on event flyers that link to more information and registration details.

Use QR codes to launch a treasure hunt activity for students. One QR code linking to a clue with another QR code, and incorporating library, technology, and content skills all together!

If you have a multimedia display at the main office, include a screen of a QR code linking to the library blog, wiki, or OPAC. Curiosity alone will cause people to link up!

Place QR codes on new materials which link to book trailers or reviews online. Taking this a step further, recruit students to generate book trailera, reviews, and talks, and post them online for reciprocation!

Use codes to link books to author websites or resources with more information about a topic or person. (Ex: Generate a code for the URL to an Encyclopedia of Alabama page on Rosa Parks; place the code on the back of your Rosa Parks biographies or other resources on civil rights, famous Alabamians, famous American women, etc.)

Place codes on various pieces of technology equipment checked out to teachers linking them to tech support or a page you've created for troubleshooting.

Use a QR code to link to a bookmarking tool which permits students, parents, and teachers to save the library OPAC as a favorite and return to it again more simply in the future.

Place signs with codes near the carpool line to let parents use their wait time to check out some of the new materials in the library.

During Alabama School Library Week (November 14-18, 2011), give out temporary tattoos of a QR code linking to the library OPAC, website, blog, or wiki.

Use a code to direct parents to what is referred to in marketing as a "squeeze page," where they can leave their contact info and become added to your email listing.

When having meetings at your library, generate a code on the Google map page for your school, and when visitors scan the code, their mapping app automatically directs them to your school.

Use a code linking to your library as your profile picture in your PLN.

Include a code on your business cards linking to your library website OR to a vcard file which permits people to auto-store your contact information.