Location‐aware Services and QR Codes for Libraries (The Tech Set No. 13)

Citation

Dillon, J. (2013), "Location‐aware Services and QR Codes for Libraries (The Tech Set No. 13)", Library Review, Vol. 62 No. 4/5, pp. 346-348. https://doi.org/10.1108/LR-03-2013-0037

Joe Murphy is a Library and Technology Trend Spotter Consultant. He has written and spoken on a wide range of topics such as virtual reference services using text messaging, mobile trends in libraries and the usage of social media. The Tech Set Editor Ellyssa Kroski writes:

I have been watching and learning from Joe Murphy's innovative presentations at library events for years and have determined that the popularity of his talks goes beyond his extensive knowledge of mobile trends to his ability to inspire others to get excited about new technology and to think about what's on the horizon (p. vi).

QR codes are becoming increasingly common as a way of linking consumers to web‐based information about a product or service. A QR code is a Quick Response code (or matrix barcode). They have been in use in the automotive industry since 1994, when invented for use in the automotive industry. Applications can be installed on smartphones that will allow the phone to read the QR code using the camera. This will either deliver a message to the screen or redirect you to a web site. You can install an app from iTunes (if you have an iPhone or iPad) or Google Play (if you have an Android device), and apps are also available for Blackberry and Windows phones, so are widely accessible. There are a wide range of free apps available; some only read QR codes and some will also read barcodes and alternative 2D barcodes such as the Microsoft Tag. Once you have installed the app, open it and use your phone camera to scan the QR code. If you are connected to the internet the QR code below will take you to the Library Review web site (Figure 1).

QR codes are appearing on business cards, supermarket shelves, by pictures at exhibitions and on advertising billboards. Location‐based services are those that “let people check in at venues via their mobile devices and connect with their friends in the area”. Murphy provides us with anecdotes on how he uses location‐based services and QR codes, nicely setting the scene for the rest of the book. He then provides more in depth information about some of the platforms (Foursquare, Gowalla and Facebook Places) suggesting how they could be used within a library environment.

Like the other titles in the Tech Set, Location‐Aware Services and QR Codes for Libraries is packed with all of the information a librarian needs to develop such services. Rather than going straight to Foursquare and creating an account then sitting back to see what happens, the book emphasises the importance of planning first. The chapter on planning is short but contains essential reading for the library practitioner, prompting the reader to plan a simple strategy for their experimentation with these new platforms and to consider how these technologies could change how they engage with users. When using mobile technologies and social media it is not enough to set up an account and think “that's done; what next?” A commitment needs to be made to get buy‐in from management, colleagues and those responsible for marketing.

We also need to think of all of the ways we can use these services, such as creating a Facebook event to promote an author talk, using a QR code in a poster and asking visitors to take photos at the event and posting them on Foursquare. This book provides instruction on how to do this successfully and how to measure the success of a campaign. Chapter 4 brainstorms ideas for gaining the support which can be key to the success, or otherwise, of using new systems. The bulk of the book is dedicated to implementation with detailed instructions and advice on setting up a Foursquare campaign, augmented reality programme and location‐based photo stream to name a few. Murphy then shares his ideas on marketing these newly setup location‐based services and shows how to measure success in these initiatives. The remaining chapters recommend best practices and discuss developing trends in the use of location‐aware technologies.

Location‐Aware Services and QR Codes for Libraries follows the same chapter sequence as the other titles in The Tech Set, making these titles even easier to consult if you own more than one and need to quickly access advice on a specific aspect of the technology: planning, metrics or implementation, for example. It's exciting to learn about the new technologies available to librarians. The Tech Set makes it so easy for library professionals who may be IT competent but short on time to learn new platforms. Of the three Tech Set titles I have reviewed, this is the one that fills me with excitement when I read Murphy's ideas and consider the potential for location‐aware services in libraries around the world.

Figure 1

QR code for the library review web site