EVALUATING QR CODE- BASED INTERVENTION TO ENHANCE VISIBILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF ACADEMIC DIGITAL LIBRARY SERVICES: EVIDENCE FROM AN INDONESIAN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Digital library services have developed into a fundamental component of academic information systems, enabling students to access academic resources beyond the previous physical boundaries of libraries. Regrettably, the availability of digital platforms does not necessarily guarantee both their visibility and utilization. Most higher education institutions, digital library services remain underused because students are unaware of available assess points and resources. To address this challenge, the library of Universitas Cenderawasih implemented Titik Baca Quick Response (QR) codes at strategic faculty as a low-cost technological intervention designed to simplify direct access to the digital library services through mobile devices.

          This study assesses the effectiveness of QR code-based access points in enhancing the visibility and accessibility of academic digital library services. A quantitative descriptive approach was applied through a survey involving undergraduate students from multiple faculties at Universitas Cenderawasih. The study examined students’ awareness of digital library services, exposure to, utilization behavior of QR Code, and patterns of digital library usage. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to pinpoint trends in service awareness and access among university students.

          Institutional records show that digital library visits increased from 102 visits during the pre-implementation period to 711 following the initial QR Code deployment. However, expanding QR Code locations across faculties resulted in only 444 visits, it points out that wider deployment alone did not sustain digital library utilization. These findings suggest that QR Code deployment should be integrated with user engagement strategies rather than implemented as a stand-alone technological solution.