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Books with QR codes benefit the publishing world in numerous ways. For the reader, it's the convenience of extended research on different platforms, learning activities, and ability to expand their community of like-minded readers. A QR code book enables virtual education to be displayed outside of text for the reader to get to know the material better. For educators and institutions, it empowers them to include suggestions for widespread access of materials across entire universities and schools. Discover how QR codes for books can change the way you learn, teach, and enjoy reading.

Benefits of Using QR Codes for Books

1. It is easy to design for different functions in the same book

When using a QR codes for textbooks, design QR codes differently for different functions. Red could mean video content, while purple can mean an audio download, and blue could mean an interview, for instance. Label each QR code and add a clear CTA for enhanced virtual education benefits. 

2. It's simple to connect on social media

Authors can add a QR code for social media in their books to engage with readers more and advertise upcoming materials and events. Or send readers to your main website or other preferred platforms to build a relationship.

3. It's perfect for all ages

Scanning QR codes is easy to do and unlocking experiences through books, ebooks, and various media content is a great interactive experience for kids as well as university students, or even for leisure readers to learn more and have extra activities.

4. It helps build your unique brand

Before the internet, seldom was known about authors in general unless they were recognized through literature prizes and awards. Now, authors and publishing houses can match a face to a name and stand out uniquely with background information about what inspires them and through online readings, chats, and interviews.

5. It offers another creative outlet for teachers

With more resources available today than textbooks and physical paperwork alone, there are a multitude of ways that teachers can distribute materials to students. Having QR codes for books with lesson plans, ideas, and various media is another fun and interesting way to get students engaged and ready to learn through virtual education.

three ipads with qr codes for three books for children
Image source: Two Teachers One Blog

Applications for Using QR Codes for Books

1. Use QR codes for interviews and videos

Instead of having static images in books alone, use a beautifully designed QR code for sending people to interviews with authors and video chats with virtual reality experiences to display visually what the book is conveying.

2. Provide audios for language assistance

Language textbooks normally came with CDs in the past and had moved onto MP3s in the last decade. Now, it's possible to scan a QR code to listen to the audio, while reading the script in the back of the book or practicing pronunciation. 

3. Include exclusive chapters to succeeding books

For authors who previously added the first chapter of their next book as a bonus to the current book being read, add a URL QR code and incentivize readers to scan so they can read the next chapter digitally, with a link to purchase or pre-order the next book from the m-commerce store.

4. Ask for book reviews

At the end of ebooks there is always an option for reviews. But with paper books it's easier for reviews to become overlooked. Offering a QR code at the end routing to your preferred review platforms will encourage people to give feedback right away.

5. Use QR codes for video instructions

Reading a manual or instructions in a book may sound one way to a person and needs to be described, but having a URL QR code linked to a video to show the reader how to do something will work wonders for someone who doesn't know the names of components. 

6. Start a book club

Engage readers with books with QR codes at the end of chapters with fun questions leading to your site where they can discuss and add comments.

Children's literature with qr codes 
Image source: Pinterest

7. Add QR codes for self-help exercises

In self-help books, allow readers to participate through scanning QR codes with mobile phones with forms, fill-ins, quizzes, and exercises, to encourage them to do the work. 

8. Spice up your yearbook

Wouldn't it be amazing to see videos from your school, hear audios of quotes, and listen to music that brings back memories? Printing QR codes for sports, clubs, classes, labs, departments, and event sections of your yearbook will make you feel more connected to classmates and staff years after.

How to Make a QR Code for Books

Creating QR codes on Supercode is easy and takes seconds. Here is a quick guide on how to create QR codes for books to achieve your goals. 

1. Choose the right type of QR code. Here are some of our suggestions: 

  • URL QR Codes - perfect for sharing website content with videos, interviews, instructional experiences, extra research, extended learning materials, and more.
  • Social Media QR Codes - ideal for increasing the number of followers on your social media accounts to connect more deeply with your readers and increase the number of readers.
  • Bulk QR Codes - perfect for making many codes at one time with static, dynamic, and one-off options.
  • PDF QR Codes - amazing for adding more research or a worksheet for a lesson plan.
Supercode different types of QR codes

2. Create a code 

Creating a code on Supercode is easy and takes seconds. Choose the type, the link or the content to include and click on save when you are ready. 

create a QR code on Supercode QR code generator platform

3. Modify the design

Design the QR code to match your branding guidelines and make your code attractive for readers and students. 

modify design of a QR code on Supercode QR code generator platform

4. Add your QR code to a folder to organize your workspace

Add customizable categories for new folders in the Supercode dashboard. Or, add your new QR code to a preexisting folder, both of which you can share with your marketing and management teams. 

save QR codes to different folders on Supercode platform

5. Test the code 

Scan the code by directing your phone camera on it and check if all the content displayed is correct. To make changes, simply go back to the dashboard and edit the code. 

bright colourful QR codes generated on Supercode platform

6. Print the code

Print the QR code on any visible, scannable surface of the book.

Supercode QR code printed on a business card

7. Track analytics

Track QR codes on the Supercode dashboard if it is desired for your use so you may collect feedback and measure the success of any dynamic QR codes.

Supercode analytics dashboard with QR code scans performance

Learn how to make QR codes in bulk with our Bulk QR code generato.

Best Practices for Using QR Codes for Books

1. Link audios and videos to conventional photo albums

Who doesn't love a personalized printed photo album? Now, add to your memories with QR codes for photo albums to customize your experiences with audios and videos from your special occasions! The Suzanne O'Brien Studio creates amazing albums implementing QR codes into her beautiful photo books for any occasion.

qr code in a photo book 
Image source: Suzanne O'brien Studio

2. Expand information digitally in textbooks

The Department of State Education Research & Training (DSERT) in Bengaluru, India, began using QR codes for textbooks for classes 6 to 10 so everyone could begin learning digitally in 2018. The QR codes were available in math, science, and English books in the beginning until they branch out. They will start with QR codes in English then continue in several other Indian languages.

3. Use QR codes for applied knowledge from textbooks

The Assistive Technology Coordinator from Kent Intermediate School District suggests QR codes for textbooks with expanded learning to apply knowledge for life skills for special education students. It's also beneficial for some students who do not comprehend the reading so well to be able to engage and understand better through digital technology.

school functional skills with qr codes links 
Image source: Specialed Tech

4. Provide digital textbooks in libraries

At the Andijan State Medical Institute, they have implemented QR codes on textbooks in libraries to be able to share with everyone instead of finding that the book needed has already been checked out.

qr codes on school textbooks covers
Image source: Adti

5. Prevent counterfeits

McGraw Hill had begun placing QR codes on books in 2017 to protect against counterfeiting. The certification sticker has a hologram and a QR code for books so students know their books are real.

qr code book authentication sticker
Image source: Inside Higher Ed

6. Use QR codes for further communicative activities

At the Universitat Politecnica Valencia, they use QR codes for various library resources on their website, to display hours, and to find books. They also include QR codes on novels so people can scan the QR code leading them to the university blog to engage in comments and discussions about the materials with other readers.

qr code online book download sticker on a leaflet
Image source: Core


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