Bo Brinkman, a professor at Miami University (Ohio) has created an Android app that can shelf-read books using the device’s camera. It looks for QR-style codes that are placed on the spine of each book (which have the LC call number embedded) and provides visual cues if a book is in the correct order. It also provides a shelf-list of books that were “scanned” giving you inventory functionality on the fly. I love the concept but think RFID is still superior due to the extra functionality it provides (circulation, automated sorting, security). The drawback to this method is that the spine of each book has to be wide enough to display the tag in order for the camera to see it. This could be problematic in the children’s or juvenile section. Anna Creech also commented:

The camera and/or app will need to be faster than what I have currently on my phone if this is going to save much time. It will sometimes take up to 15-20 seconds for my phone to “see” a barcode or QR code, depending on the lighting, and we all know how well some library stacks are lit.

Despite the drawbacks it’s still very impressive and a great use of augmented reality. If you’re going to ACRL be sure to see his panel presentation: The Library’s Swiss Army Knife on Saturday morning at 9:45.

Project site: http://www.users.muohio.edu/brinkmwj/ar/