National Archives and QRpedia
kew national archives qr qrpedia · 5 comments · 300 words · read ~437 times.
Yesterday, I paid a visit to the UK National Archives in Kew.
Their amazing educational team have recently completed a stunning QRpedia installation.
The Domesday Book
From their press-release:
As part of this project to increase digital engagement we have used the QRpedia service to link some of our museum exhibits to articles on Wikipedia. In the on site museum at Kew, visitors can use their smartphones to scan QR (quick response) codes next to the exhibits. QR codes are barcodes that can be read by smartphones to link physical and virtual documents.
The QR codes will allow visitors to the museum to explore more information on particular displays than can physically be provided on written captions. They can also deliver pages (where they exist) in the language of the user’s handset.
Visitors to the museum will also be invited to contribute their knowledge to The National Archives-related articles on Wikipedia.
There are 13 QRpedia codes dotted around the museum – here are some photos of a few of them.
Declaration of Independence
Grant of Arms
The team have done an amazing job. They placed codes in prominent positions and made sure they are well lit.
They have also created a display to explain what the QR codes do. They even include instructions on how to get on to the free WiFi if your phone doesn’t have a strong signal.
So, now legions of school-children and visiting tourists can get highly detailed information about the National Archive’s exhibits with a simple scan of a code.
Where next…?
Antonio says:
Hi,
I have to prepare some documents (non profit) about the use of QR codes in cultural institutions (museums and libraries)
Would you mind if i use your Domsday book pic?
Off course, I will link to your blog as the author.
Please, be my guest 🙂
Fatemeh says:
Hi, Can you help me? How are the archives using QR codes? I am a post graduate student in Archival Studies I wohld appreciate if you send me one of the QR codes, the archives use if possible. Because I am doing my research in this field. It wohld also be kind of you if you let me know level of its arrangment and description. I am looking forward your kind response. Sincerely yours
This blog post is 8 years old. I don't know if the National Archives are still using this system. I suggest you contact them for more details.