Two libraries from the Netherlands, Assen Library and Hoogeveen Library, have cooperated in a highly creative project to encourage kids to read more books.
The program, called Project-Q, was officially launched in Assen Library on October 8th. The idea is incredibly simple. The libraries asked kids to describe their favorite books, and why other children should read them.
The kids were recorded, and videos were uploaded online. These video recommendations are available to readers via OR codes placed inside relevant books.
When you open a book, and scan the QR code with your phone, you can watch the kid recommending this book to you.
One of the videos is shown below:
The codes were placed not only in the books, but also outside the libraries – in areas frequently visited by children.
QR code is a specially designed bar code that contains information about the item to which it is attached. In this case, this is a link to a video which can be opened and played in a smartphone’s mobile browser.
QR codes were used before several times in projects promoting books, libraries, and reading. Two years ago a digital library was launched on a Bucharest subway station. It was clearly the beginning of big ideas in book promotions based on advanced technologies.
Since that time, the same concept – QR codes linking to downloadable ebooks – was utilized several times, with a recent example of the Moscow underground.
However, advanced technologies can be used in much more creative ways. Move the concept away from the subway, and you may admire a Tram Library in Brno, Czech Republic.
The project developed by the Dutch libraries required much more effort, but it was the clever thing to do: Reaching the kids via the medium they like to promote the medium they need.
Image via De Krant van Midden-Drenthe.
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