Hybrid Library: QR Codes Access eBooks in Subway Station

via weburbanist.com

"If you happen to be in Bucharest, you can snag a volume from their floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall collection of ebook posters at the station. Just scan the QR Code, read the sample and if you enjoy - just purchase the full book!"
Great use case! Mobile is all about helping folks do stuff NOW!

Simon & Schuster is adding QR codes to all its print books

via paidcontent.org

>>
The codes “make it easy for consumers to visit our site and hopefully subscribe to one of our newsletters,” S&S chief digital officer Ellie Hirschhorn wrote in a recent email to employees. Scanning the QR code on a book ”will bring the consumer to the author’s mobile page on S&S.com where they can sign up for an email, browse the author’s other books and watch video.” Jackets will also include a printed link to the author’s website “so consumers without smartphones or QR scanners could still easily find the author’s page.”

Great idea! Should work if scanning the code leads to relevant engaging content. Like in Spain, they can also promote books using QR Codes:
http://blog.qryptal.com/2012/04/in-spain-trains-offer-first-chapter-of.html

U.S. magazines show resounding favor for QR codes

via qrcodepress.com

"99% of the top 100 U.S. magazines utilized QR codes in the first quarter of 2012. QR code use in this sector is up 288% over the same period in 2011, showing that publishers are beginning to take the codes more seriously. "

QR codes are getting popular with print advertisers. Qryptal is noticing the same trend as well. Qryptal recent launched a free plan . We hope to provide advertisers who an easy way to get started to create mobile friendly landing pages for their print ads. This plan does include a host of features including YouTube Video embed, slideshows, forms to do surveys , polls and lead generation and more..all in a mobile friendly page.

QR Codes Deliver Newspaper Content with Audio, Video on Mobile Web

via editorandpublisher.com

“We took QR codes beyond advertising and now deliver full audio versions of articles via QR codes directly from the headlines,” Shackelford said. “Our readers can scan and listen to the newspaper, word for word, while they drive to work or wash the car. They can listen anytime, anywhere.” Shackelford said his goal was to focus on the newspaper’s original content. “What is unique about our application of QR codes is that they connect to full content, not just supporting content,” he said.

In Spain, trains offer first chapter of novels through QR codes

via springwise.com

The Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalan Government Railways) has placed posters offering download links to the first chapters of books on its trains as part of the National Reading Plan, with aims to improve literacy.
Great use case, like the "Amazon Look Inside" feature. Shrink wrapped books/magazines can also do this.