Audio QR Code ‘Book Sample’ Project

We will use our grant to pilot the use of audio QR codes as a way for people to ‘sample’ a New Zealand novel before they buy. One of the reasons people balk at buying a book by a new or unfamiliar author is that they’re concerned they won’t enjoy it, and $30-$40 is a decent sum to fork out on a potentially dud experience.

Audio QR codes are already being used to promote products in-store. Why not books? Our theory is that if they hear a little of the book’s content in the shop, then it will help tip them over the line to purchase. We aim to record short readings from the authors of New Zealand novels we have in stock and turn these into audio QR codes that we can print out and display in store. People will be able to scan the code and play the recording.

We want to test what the uptake is, and how people respond. If the pilot is successful, we will share our findings with all booksellers, and investigate building up a library of audio QR files that bookshops around the country can access.