Information skills training through mobile devices: Practical applications of QR codes in academic libraries

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the use of different mobile devices by libraries to develop programs for information skills training, focusing on the application of quick response (QR) codes for such a purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was developed in two stages; primarily an analysis of the literature was conducted to determine the theoretical framework underlying the use of this tool for information literacy. The second part examined the practical application of this tool, with examples of several university libraries. In all, 13 academic libraries were included as the sample, which were chosen randomly from a global search on the Internet under the thematic basis for the theme of the study and thus evaluate the different employment opportunities of mobile telephony in developing skills information on users. The study is complemented with an assessment from the practice of the applicability of the principles described, arriving at conclusions and recommendations.

Findings

The purpose of the study is to recognize the use given to mobile technologies from libraries, particularly the use of QR codes, to help meet the demands of users in relation to skills training information, just as you may have the need.

Originality/value

The benefits of the use of mobile devices for the development of information literacy actions are identified and the set of actions that can be implemented for training information skills through the use of QR codes are set based on all outlined by the Association of College and Research Libraries goals.

Citation

Manso Rodríguez, R.A. and Machado Rivero, M.O. (2016), "Information skills training through mobile devices: Practical applications of QR codes in academic libraries", The Electronic Library, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 116-131. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-04-2014-0061