Playing Tag in the Stacks

Many of you may know what the above image is. QR codes, or Quick Response bar codes, have become quite the rage over the past few years. They've been placed on products, advertisements, blogs, and art. In fact, at a gas station yesterday, I saw a QR code on an advertisement that said "Find them all and collect the points!" They can be URL hyperlinks, text based information, phone numbers, email addresses, Google Map locations, or any other kind of data. These codes are read through several different methods, the most popular being cell phone cameras (also known as mobile tagging). The basic idea is that an individual uses a QR app and their camera to "scan" the code, and then can be taken to a website which then gives them a wealth of information. EDUCAUSE has a fantastic PDF "7 Things You Should Know About QR Codes" which not only gives information, but also a great example of using QR codes in an exhibition-like setting.

There have been so many blogs, articles, and websites talking about how QR codes and mobile tagging can enhance user accessibility and experiences with a collection, such as using the codes as exhibition captions. In particular, Dan Hooker wrote an interesting article back in 2009 about use in libraries. In it, he touches on QR code use in catalog records, such as in University of Huddersfield's OPAC records (example: Managing Information Technology in Secondary Schools). But, there are a number of other ways to use QR codes as internal support in archives.

In my experience, I have noticed that there may be several databases or catalogs that indicate location of archival materials. However, there is a bit of a breakdown if 1) the box in question is not in its proper location, 2) the box location database, catalog, or finding aid has incorrect or incomplete information, and 3) the actual item numbers within the box or container are incorrect or incomplete.

With so many finding aids being converted into EAD and being completely accessible online, this is a perfect situation to use QR codes to link between the item (or box, depending on the level of description your institution requires) and the finding aid or catalog. QR codes are printable on regular pieces of paper. You can cut them out, include them on the box or folder or item, and have the code link back to the finding aid or other digital catalog record in order to have instant access in the stacks.

Additionally, when archival items are pulled for exhibits or patrons, instead of writing locations down on the back or relying on the patron to put folders in the correct boxes, printing out QR codes and clipping or taping them to folders can solve many potential problems. Not only will it save time for researchers and patrons, but it will save time for the archivist and (most likely) the student employee who is returning the items to the stacks.

Reading these QR codes are as simple as purchasing a 4th generation iPod touch for an organization (starting at $299, though some institutions offer an educational discount for $229) and installing one of several different free QR reader/scanner apps (CNET reviews 4 best QR code apps for iPhone and iPod Touch). You can also use an Android powered phone or mobile device that has a camera and can access the App Market for any of their compatible QR apps. Keep in mind, if you are linking to a web-version of your finding aid, your campus should have wireless Internet access in order to use the iPod. Otherwise, your iPhone, Android phone, or other mobile device that is on a 3G or 4G network will be fine.

For so long, libraries and archives were given the RFID speech that these chips were the answer to so many problems. But, the cost of RFID is high and the amount of maintenance it would require in a large collection is unfathomable. QR codes can be printed as items are pulled and, though they are owned and patented by the Denso Corporation, they are free of license restriction and codes can be generated and used without any cost. In an economic time where organizational cutbacks continue to challenge information centers, what's better than free?