Tuesday, September 14, 2010

CFP: Layers of Reality: Extending Library Services and Resources through QR Codes and Augmented Reality (ALA Annual)

CFP: Layers of Reality: Extending Library Services and Resources through QR Codes and Augmented Reality (ALA Annual)


Has your library used QR Codes, or other Augmented reality (AR) tools in exciting and innovative ways? Are you looking for an opportunity to present at ALA?

The RUSA MARS Hot Topics in Electronic Reference Discussion Group seeks panelists for its upcoming program at ALA Midwinter 2010: “Layers of Reality: Extending Library Services and Resources through
QR Codes and Augmented Reality.” With simple and often free technologies, QR codes may be created and added to posters, signage, and other promotional literature. These embedded codes, which often appear to be barcodes (or oddly shaped icons), may be processed by camera phones and PDAs to direct the user to online information. Augmented reality takes existing visual or video information and adds additional layers of computer graphics, pattern recognition, and other visual effects.

We’re looking for presenters who have used these new and emerging tools to bridge the gap between the print and digital environments, as well as any operational or purely functional applications. The discussion could also be expanded to look at the use of these technologies for marketing and outreach programs. Our session will focus on presenting these tools, their present and future applications, and discussing their possible uses for improving reference service. Presentations are informal and are intended to jumpstart discussion
among the attendees. The discussion will be held Saturday, January 8th, 2011 at the ALA Midwinter conference in San Diego, CA. If you are interested in serving as a panelist, please contact Matt Torrence
(torrence@usf.edu) with a short (<400 words) summary or proposal by November 15th, 2010. We’re flexible on the final number for our panel, but expect 3-4 speakers with 15-20 minutes each.