Augmented reality (AR) has become increasingly popular in libraries. Many libraries have started to employ AR technology to enhance their library services. AR technology refers to “a digital means of mixing real and virtual environments by adding digital layers to the physical world” (Reynolds et al., 2020, p. 503). In terms of advantage, because of the immersive nature of AR technology, it can enhance user learning and engagement in an exciting and innovative way (Reynolds et al., 2020, p. 503; Hannah et al., 2019, p. 279). For example, the video below shows a library user how to find a book at the library with an app that employing AR technology (Rose, 2019). The user searches the book she needs first in the app and then moves through the space with her smartphone. The app provides a series of prompts that directs her where to scan QR code and find the book. Therefore, with the use of AR technology, users can acquire knowledge about how to locate a book on the shelves that can help them to build a sense of engagement.
In terms of disadvantage, while AR technology is still evolving, it requires a considerable amount of time, cost, staff resources, technological infrastructure and any other resources to support the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of the apps (Reynolds et al., 2020, p. 506). Librarians also need to beware of the level of risks that the AR technology may bring such as user privacy, security, and legal issues (Olney, 2019, p. 10). It is because AR technology often records individual users’ exact locations, personal contact information, and other user data such as user’s eye movements, body language (Bell & Cottrell, 2019, p. 104). The user data collected can be used to improved AR experience (Riesen, 2019, p. 117). To deal with the privacy, security, and legal issues, it is important to develop privacy policies clearly defining what information is being collected, where this information is going to be stored, and how the information is being used. The privacy notices should also be provided to end users in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations (Riesen, 2019, p. 117). Therefore, due to the tight timeline, budget constraint, user privacy and security concerns, it is always extremely challenging to incorporate AR technology into library services (Olney, 2019, p. 10).
In my opinion, augmented reality (AR) has become more popular in libraries. It is important for libraries to stay ahead of the latest technology trends. As the new technologies continue to change how users access and use information, libraries need to embrace knowledge of innovative technologies such as AR technology so that they can better serve the users’ interest and improve their public services.
Reference
Bell, B., & Cottrell, T. (2019). Augmented reality in the library: Pivoting toward a security-first implementation strategy. In K. J. Varnum (Ed.), Beyond reality: Augmented, virtual, and mixed reality in the library (pp. 99-108). ALA Neal-Schuman. https://portal-igpublish-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/iglibrary/search/ALAB0000486.html
Hannah, M., Huber, S., & Matei, S. A. (2019). Collecting virtual and augmented reality in the twenty-first century library. Collection Management, 44(2-4), 277-295. doi:10.1080/01462679.2019.1587673
Olney, A. (2019). Augmented reality: All about holograms. In K. J. Varnum (Ed.), Beyond reality: Augmented, virtual, and mixed reality in the library (pp. 1-15). ALA Neal-Schuman. https://portal-igpublish-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/iglibrary/search/ALAB0000486.html
Reynolds, K., Schofield, T., & Trujillo-Pisanty, D. (2020). Children’s magical realism for new spatial interactions: Augmented reality and the David Almond archives. Children’s Literature in Education, 51(4), 502-518. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10583-019-09389-2
Riesen, M. (2019). Augmented reality and virtual reality and their legal implications for libraries. In K. J. Varnum (Ed.), Beyond reality: Augmented, virtual, and mixed reality in the library (pp. 109-118). ALA Neal-Schuman. https://portal-igpublish-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/iglibrary/search/ALAB0000486.html
Rose, C. S. (2019, November 19). Finding Books at the Library with Augmented Reality [Video]. YouTube.