You may see one of these on our library guides, it's a QR code, and it links to our website. QR stands for Quick Response. Basically, anyone can generate a QR code using a free generator available on the web. It's like a barcode and can be created from a web link, a video, or an image for example. If you have a smartphone (iPhone/Blackberry/HTC or other Android phone) you can download a QR code reader application and then use your camera on the phone to read the QR code - the link, video, image or whatever, will open on your screen.
I think it's a great way to quickly access information - you don't have to either remember or write down a URL for example. In the commercial world QR codes are being added to film or music advertisements on the streets, and there is huge potential for using it in libraries (and many other public services) - to advertise our services and facilities, our contact details and websites etc. Some libraries create them for links to their Special Collection websites and stick a copy of them on the shelves near them so a reader can just scan the code from the poster and automatically be able to read about the collections. Or you could create one to link to a blog post or website about one particular book on the shelf or on display, and post the code nearby.
Next time you see one, have a go at reading it with your smartphone!
Find out more about QR codes on Wikipedia at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_codes
