QR codes in libraries (By Gaurav Boudh)

QR stands for Quick Response code
Invented in 1994 by the Toyota Motors subsidiary Denso Wave to track vehicles and parts during the manufacturing process
It is a two dimensional barcode, typically seen as a white square with black geometric shapes
It is basically a type of barcode which is readable by any camera-enabled smart phone

1. QR CODES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES Gaurav Boudh

2. INTRODUCTION QR stands for Quick Response code Invented in 1994 by the Toyota Motors subsidiary Denso Wave to track vehicles and parts during the manufacturing process It is a two dimensional barcode, typically seen as a white square with black geometric shapes It is basically a type of barcode which is readable by any camera-enabled smart phone

3. QR Code. Scan or input the URL (http://www.du.ac.in/du/index.php?page=central-library) to view Delhi University Library System Source:https ://www.qr-code-generator.com/

4. STRUCTURE OF QR CODE QR Codes are actually black modules in square patterns on white background. QR Codes consists of many areas that have specific importance. [1] Finder Pattern [2] Alignment Pattern [3] Timing Pattern [4] Quiet Zone [5] Data Area Source: http ://www.ijesrt.com/issues%20pdf%20file/Archive-2017/February-217/47.pdf

5. Pattern: The Three big squares which are found in the corners of a QR Code are used for identifying size, position and angle . Alignment Pattern: It is used for modifying the distortion of QR code. Timing Pattern : The pattern made up with black and white modules. This pattern is used for determining the central coordinate of each cell in the QR code . Quiet Zone: It is part of a QR Code. It is a margin space which is used to detect the QR code. It consists of four cells and is used for quiet zone. Data Area : This element has error correction functionality. It stores data converting into binary digits 0-1. It consists of array of rows and columns.

6. Storage Capacity of QR code Maximum character storage capacity (40-L)  Character refers to individual values of the input mode/ datatype Input mode Max. characters Bits/char. Possible characters, default encoding Numeric only 7,089 3⅓ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Alphanumeric 4,296 5½ 0–9, A–Z (upper-case only), space, $, %, *, +, -, ., /, : Binary /byte 2,953 8 ISO 8859-1 Kanji/Kana 1,817 13 Shift JIS   X 0208

7. QR Code - Features The main advantage of a QR code is its versatility . They can be used for anything and everything . Free , can embed many types of media, easy to use. Does not require understanding of writing code . A fun and effective way of delivering enhanced information directly and conveniently to users. Ca n t r a c k h ow m a n y t i m e s t h e Q R c o d e i s s c a nn e d f o r statistical purposes.

8. Barcode vs. QR Code

9. QR Code - Significance Data Restoration -Occasionally QR codes and bar codes become damaged or they may get dirty. Barcode reader will not be able to scan a damaged or dirty code whereas up to 30% of code words in a QR code can be restored depending upon amount of damage . Source: www.aiktcdspace.org:8080/ jspui / bitstream /.../1505/3/QR%20SEM%20-%20PPT.pdf

10. QR Code - Significance Expert in Scan Position and Speed :- Barcode must be scanned in the correct position. But QR code can be scanned from any position. This is due to the three position detection patterns located in three corner of the code. The reader will locate these three detection patterns and know how to correctly read the code. This feature speeds up the time needed to scan objects.

11. QR Code - Tools Four things are required in order to successfully decode a QR code: QR code Generator Smartphone, Desktop (with a camera), QR code Scanning Software application, and Internet Connection (either through the phone’s data plan or over a site-generated wireless network).

12. QR Code - Generator & Reader Generator (Desktop) Reader (Desktop) Quick Mark Zxing Decoder Quick Mark Zxing Decoder

13. How it works ? Phone with camera & Internet access Download & install a QR Code reader on your phone Phone’s camera acts like a scanner, allowing it to “read” the code Once scanned by your phone, the codes can provide you with contact information, text messages, contents of an ebook , mobile website etc

14. QR Code - How to Generate? Pinpoint the information that you wish to share Locate a user friendly QR Code generator website Fill in appropriate content and information Test the QR Code Save the QR Code image on your computer Share your QR Code with the world

15. QR Code – Softwares /Websites There are plenty of free QR code generators websites. Some websites are: KAYWA Generator - http://qrcode.kaywa.com/ QR Generator - https ://w ww. the-qrcode-generator.com/ Go QR Generator - http://goqr.me/ QR Stuff Generator - http://www.qrstuff.com/ Bee Tag QR Generator - http://www.beetagg.com/

16. USE OF QR CODES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES QR codes can be used in library books, journals, CD-ROMs, ticketing, entertainment and transport ticketing, VCard information, commercial tracking, product/loyalty marketing and in-store product labelling. So we can say that QR code can be used in a variety of ways as per need. The main aim of using QR code is to give brief message to the users.

17. QR Code – How Libraries Can Use? QR Code Link to e-Contents Linking to the online surveys Linking to Library Contests On Library Stacks, Journal Areas that point to online electronic holdings Linking to Library Audio tour for Orientations Linking to Library Blog, Websites Linking to Digital Library Linking to Library Maps Linking to Library Wi-Fi Network etc .

18. Source: www.aiktcdspace.org:8080/ jspui / bitstream /.../1505/3/QR%20SEM%20-%20PPT.pdf

19. Source : http://www.ijesrt.com/issues%20pdf%20file/Archive-2017/February-217/47.pdf

20. Wi-Fi Network Libraries creates QR codes that contain Wi-Fi network credential and paste it within the library. After scanning user will connect to internet connection. Source: www.aiktcdspace.org:8080/ jspui / bitstream /.../1505/3/QR%20SEM%20-%20PPT.pdf m

21. Source: www.aiktcdspace.org:8080/ jspui / bitstream /.../1505/3/QR%20SEM%20-%20PPT.pdf

22. Articles Abstract Database By scanning QR code user can easily access libraries Article Abstract Database. Source: www.aiktcdspace.org:8080/ jspui / bitstream /.../1505/3/QR%20SEM%20-%20PPT.pdf

23. Web Supplements Most of the publishers provides the web suppliments for instructors and students.Library finds out those books and generates QR codes for them and paste on the books. Example:McGraw Hill Source: www.aiktcdspace.org:8080/ jspui / bitstream /.../1505/3/QR%20SEM%20-%20PPT.pdf

24. CD Library By scanning QR code we can access the CD/DVD’s content of the book. Source: www.aiktcdspace.org:8080/ jspui / bitstream /.../1505/3/QR%20SEM%20-%20PPT.pdf

25. Benefits of QR Code It is available for free. one can create the QR code using free software. It is very fast to access the information embedded with the code. Easy to read the QR code. The nature of QR code is versatility.

26. Limitations of QR Code Lack of familiarity among people and users. Need of scanning device. If you want to access the information in the QR code, you should have a device that supports the QR code scanning facility. It takes time to scan the code embedded in the QR code. You need a QR code reader software. It needs an internet connection.

27. Conclusion Libraries are now being very challenged by the development of various technologies. In this present era, the new technology like QR code demands the changes of information handling in the library. The user would have easy access to most current and necessary information related to the library by using QR code. So to make the effective use of QR code among the user community, library professionals must organise user awareness program, orientation programme, etc.

28. References: Dar, Saleeq Ahmad, and Margam Madhusudhan . “Quick Response Codes in University Libraries: User Expectations for Fast Retrieval of Information at the University of Delhi.”  Journal of Knowledge & Communication Management , vol. 6, no. 2, 2016, p. 114., doi:10.5958/2277-7946.2016.00010.3 . (QR CODE IN LIBRARY PRACTICE SOME EXAMPLES . ijesrt.com/issues pdf file/Archive-2017/February-217/47.pdf . Shettar , Iranna . (2013). QR Codes in Libraries: New Delivery Tool for Library Marketing and Information Dissemination. Journal of Library Management. 2. Parabhoi , Lambodara & Bhattacharjya , Nivedita & Dhar , Rupashree . (2017). Use of QR Code in Library. 237-243.