Making Print Fiction Interactive

As I've blogged in my previous posts, we're mad about QR codes here at Mt. Sentinel Library and Media Centre in a variety of ways! We've used them for treasure hunts, and to post information about our Virtual Library in the hallways of our school.

Our next step is to tuck QR codes inside of each of our new fiction arrivals. Yes, that's right--we're making reading interactive! Our Library Clerical Assistant, Mrs. Pat Brach, searches out author websites during the cataloguing process, and generates a QR code which she then prints out and tapes onto the card pocket inside of the book.

Now, students can use their cellphones or iPod Touches (equipped with a free QR code scanner app) and find out what their favourite author is saying on his or her website. Many authors blog, chat with their readers, and provide previews or resources related to their love of writing. Some authors have adjunct websites that extend the reading experience for their readers.

Authors such as Cory Doctorow (Little Brother) and Amber J Keyser (Angel Punk) offer transmedia experiences that can now be accessed via a QR code scanner.

Is a book still a book still a reading experience? You bet it is, but with extensions!