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Revision as of 10:58, 17 October 2011

What's a QR Code?

Distilled from the Wikipedia page on QR codes:

QR code is an abbreviation of Quick Response code Matrix barcode (or 2-D code) -- other matrix barcodes exist! First designed for and used by automotive industry, specifically Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave, in 1994

What are all those boxes for? Picture showing elements of a QR code

A QR code can encode any kind of data, alphanumeric, binary, kanji, etc.

The QR code is an ISO standard, and the use of QR codes is free of any license. The term is trademarked by Denso Wave Incorporated.

How do you read them?

In marketing, they are intended to be read by mobile devices.

You need an app installed that can read QR codes. This can be a general barcode reader, or specifically a QR code reader.

Android

Barcode Scanner (free) -- displays the URL or text before it does anything with it QR Droid (free) ScanLife Barcode Reader (free)

How do you make them?

Recommended QR code generators (if we can identify a few tools)

Laundry list of generators: http://2d-code.co.uk/qr-code-generators/

Kaywa http://qrcode.kaywa.com/ General types like URL, free text, SMS and phone number.

ZXing Project http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/ Includes types like calendar events, contact info. May require certain readers to work.

What can they be used for?

What content is needed to make a QR code?

Some ideas out there: http://www.flyteblog.com/flyte/2011/03/50-count-em-50-creative-uses-of-qr-codes.html

From http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/5-steps-to-a-successful-qr-code-marketing-campaign/ --

1. Plan your QR code campaign strategy
2. Create quality codes and test them
3. Link your codes to mobile-friendly or mobile-optimized sites
4. Track your scans with code management systems
5. Deliver value and a favorable user experience

How do they fit into the library?

Reasons to use/purposes for QR codes