Making Your Mobile Device an Art Expert: Using QR Codes to Tell the Story Behind artiFACTS in Your Library

Authors

  • Jessica L. Howard Gettysburg College
  • Carolyn Sautter Gettysburg College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/palrap.2013.11

Abstract

Have you ever wondered about the stories behind the public art in your library? Every object had the potential to tell a story—the paintings, the sculpture, the furniture, and the building itself. At Musselman Library, Gettysburg College we use QR codes as the technical means to satisfy the natural curiosity of our patrons. Historical information already available in our Special Collections and College Archives was repurposed for the mobile-friendly environment. The artiFACTS project proved to be simple, scalable, and a great opportunity for collaboration.  We discuss how we implemented artiFACTS, including creating QR codes, marketing to campus constituencies and visitors, gathering feedback from students and faculty members, and evaluating the project’s success.

Author Biographies

Jessica L. Howard, Gettysburg College

Jessica Howard is Electronic Resources & Web Services Librarian at Musselman Library, Gettysburg College, where she is involved in the design, assessment, and management of the library’s online presence. She previously served as Reference & Web Services Librarian at Gettysburg College. She has presented at Computers in Libraries, the Pennsylvania Library Association Conference, and the Associated College Libraries of Central Pennsylvania Conference.

Carolyn Sautter, Gettysburg College

Carolyn Sautter is the Director of Special Collections and College Archives at Musselman Library, Gettysburg College. In addition to her archival duties, she is involved in digital projects, cataloging, instruction, exhibits and outreach for Special Collections.  Prior to her current role in Special Collections, she was the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian at Gettysburg College. She had presented the Pennsylvania Library Association Conferences and the American Library Association Conference.

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Published

2013-04-22

Issue

Section

Practice