As is the case with many technologies, especially the mobile variety, the Japanese have been ahead of the rest of us for a while on something that has only recently begun to catch fire everywhere else: “QR Codes.” (QR=quick response.) If you’re not familiar, they are 2D barcodes that represent strings of letters, numbers and other characters. While you might not have heard of them, chances are you’ve seen them in places like the outside of UPS or FedEx packages, which allow the contents to be accurately tracked.
The codes can contain everything from URLs to ready-made SMS messages to electronic contact cards and can be created quite easily. They’re being used more and more often in physical media such as magazine ads.
They have been around for nearly two decades, but they are just now taking off in popularity, thanks to the new generation of smartphones. For instance, once you download a QR code-scanning app, all you have to do is point your camera at a physical code to relay that digital information instantly to your phone.
The marketer in me has created a QR code that will take you from your iPhone directly to our new app so that you can download it without having to type a thing. The brave new world of digital technology marches on. (The QR code below will take you to the external link for the Library’s app within the iTunes App Store.)
September 21, 2010 at 7:07 pm
For people who don’t mind typing four letters on their phone, the App Store’s built-in search returns “Library of Congress” once you’ve begun typing “L I B R”. From there, it’s two more taps, and the app is installed. Might I humbly suggest that could be quicker and easier than installing a QR-code-reading app and taking a photograph of your screen?
September 21, 2010 at 7:08 pm
Any thoughts about an android program? Android is growing by leaps and bounds. Would love an android version.
September 22, 2010 at 12:00 am
…this looks very secure to me and a very good smart thing………..
September 22, 2010 at 9:52 am
This code doesn’t work using NeoReader on the iPhone. Go ahead, try it.
September 23, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Works great with Barcode Scanner on Android. I think it’s worth downloading because you will be seeing QR codes everywhere, soon. The program is also great for comparison shopping.
September 24, 2010 at 3:16 pm
@Andy: Good point, but isn’t my way more fun?
Plus, as Marj says above, “You will be seeing QR codes everywhere, soon.”
@Loriis: We are definitely considering the idea of other apps, and on other platforms. Our iPhone app, designed completely in-house, is something of a proof-of-concept, but it seems to be a pretty positive thing so far.