Libraries and museums are increasingly looking to mobile technologies, including quick response (QR) codes,
to better serve their visitors and achieve their overall institutional goals; however, there is a lack of information
regarding patrons' perceptions of QR codes — information essential to successful implementations. This
case study explored staff members' and patrons' perceptions of QR codes at Ryerson University Library and
the Museum of Inuit Art in order to determine the extent to which QR codes are appropriate for use in libraries
and museums. Observations and 56 patron and staff interviews were conducted to obtain data on usage,
knowledge, reactions and expectations regarding QR codes in these institutions. It was found that QR code
usage was low, but that there was potential for use, with patrons' reactions being generally positive. Three
themes were identified from an analysis of the results: an assumption that young people and smartphone
owners use QR codes; that QR codes are only used for one-way provision of information, not to initiate a
conversation; and that QR codes can be used to personalize a visit to an institution. Libraries and museums
are advised that based on these findings, QR codes can provide a cost effective and potentially powerful tool,
but patrons should be first surveyed to tailor these initiatives to their wants and needs