Connect the shelves to your digital collection
To use QR codes in a library, paste the link to a subject guide, saved catalog search or e-book collection into the Library Resources template in Studio, then print the code on shelf-end signs, displays or bookmarks. Each code is a short link you can re-point when a display changes, and its scan counts show which signs patrons use. On any plan, the Language block can send phones set to another language to a guide you've written in that language.
Why the printed version falls short
Patrons at the shelves don't know the e-book collection exists
Subject guides are buried in the library website
Printed signs go out of date as displays change
Long catalog links can't be typed from a sign
It's hard to tell which signs patrons use
Library Resources with CirculateQR
Put link codes on shelf ends, signs and displays that open a subject guide, catalog search or e-book collection. Change the link when the display changes.
- Open a subject guide straight from the shelf end
- Link to a saved catalog search or e-book collection
- Change the link without replacing the sign
- Name each code and compare scans between signs
- Set an end date for temporary displays
How to set it up
Pick the resource
A subject guide, a saved catalog search or an e-book collection. Paste the link into the Library Resources template in Studio.Make one code per sign
Create a code for each shelf section or display and name it, so its scans are counted separately.Print the signs
Download PNG, SVG or PDF for shelf-end signs, displays and bookmarks.Review and update
Check which signs get scanned, and change links when guides move or displays change.
Useful extras
Code per Section
Name a code for each section or display and compare their scan counts.
End Date
Stop codes for temporary displays on a set date.
Language Routing
Phones set to a language you choose go to the link you set for it, such as a guide you've written in Spanish.
A plan badge means that plan or higher is needed. Paid marketplace templates show their one-time price. Compare plans
CirculateQR vs printed sign and plain qr code
Opens the digital resource directly
- CirculateQR
- ✓
- Printed sign
- ✗
- Plain QR code
- ✓
Change the link without a new sign
- CirculateQR
- ✓
- Printed sign
- ✗
- Plain QR code
- ✗
Scan counts per sign
- CirculateQR
- ✓
- Printed sign
- ✗
- Plain QR code
- ✗
End date for temporary displays
- CirculateQR
- ✓
- Printed sign
- ✗
- Plain QR code
- ✗
Different link by phone language
- CirculateQR
- ✓
- Printed sign
- ✗
- Plain QR code
- ✗
| CirculateQR | Printed sign | Plain QR code | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opens the digital resource directly | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Change the link without a new sign | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scan counts per sign | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| End date for temporary displays | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Different link by phone language | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
✓ yes · ✗ no · △ partly or with extra work
Frequently asked questions
Can a code show whether a book is available?
Only if the page it opens shows that, such as your catalog. CirculateQR opens the link; it doesn't check availability.
Do patrons need an app?
No. Most phone cameras open QR codes directly in the browser.
Can I see which patrons scanned?
No. Scans are anonymous. You see counts over time, device type, browser, phone language and approximate city.
What happens when our website changes?
Edit the destination in Studio and the printed codes open the new address.
Do the codes keep working on the free plan?
Codes you can edit and track stay live for 14 days after publishing on the free plan, then pause until you upgrade. On a paid plan they keep working while you subscribe and for 14 days after you cancel.
Related pages
More for Education & Non-Profit
Features used here
Start with the Library Resources template
The template opens in Studio with starter content filled in. Change the text, pick a design and download. The free plan needs no card.