How to Use QR Codes in the Library

Libraries are gateways to knowledge. However, they are often understaffed and unappealing to students. These issues can be addressed by using QR codes in school libraries, thereby creating a digital business card. Here are 10 ways to use them:

Interactive Library Tours

Provide students with an engaging experience by offering virtual tours of the library using QR codes. For example, the Seely G. Mudd Library at Lawrence University and the Harold B. Lee Library (HBLL) at Brigham Young University (BYU) use QR codes to organize audio tours.

Convenient Room Booking Process

Save students the hassle of searching your website to book a study room. The HBLL and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia libraries use QR codes for quick and easy room reservations.

Convenient Book Search

At the San Diego State University library, QR codes are attached to catalogs, allowing students to find information about books, their locations, and availability.

Library Promotion

Use QR codes to promote your school library and provide additional information. For instance, the George Fox University library uses QR codes that link to their YouTube channel with videos about library services.

Increasing Website and Social Media Traffic

QR codes can direct scanners to your website or social media platforms, increasing traffic and the number of followers.

Easy Communication with Librarians

The Syracuse University library uses QR codes for easy communication between students and librarians. These codes lead to a webpage with research assistance information or allow sending text messages.

Organizing Events

Create games and other activities in the library using QR codes. For example, Lafayette College Library conducted an open house event with a scavenger hunt, providing clues through QR codes.

Library Contests

Use QR codes to hold contests, encouraging regular readers. For example, the RMIT University Library uses them to organize contests with rewards for winners.

Access to Music and Other Collections

The ACU library uses QR codes to access song collections and electronic music resources, making them easily accessible to students.

Contact Tracing

In a pandemic situation, speed up the contact tracing process with QR codes. RMIT University requires visitors to scan a QR code upon entering the library for contact tracing, making it easier to track and contact students in case of an outbreak.

Using QR codes makes school libraries more organized, interactive, and appealing to students.