Purpose Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are technologies gaining more ground, and their uses in libraries and for educational purposes are expanding. Design/methodology/approach Ethical and legal issues in the use of VR and AR are bound to arise in future if the technology is used for less-than-laudable functions. Findings For now, the Western world uses both technologies more, even though it is free and, in some cases, less expensive than before now. Originality/value It superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, providing a composite view. Both technologies aim to make the user feel a sense of being there and experiencing what is being viewed in real time.

No abstract

Purpose This edition of this study aims to focus on augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in libraries and museums, as seen from the internet cyber sphere including blogs. It takes a look at the first quarter of 2018 and analyzes the trending issues within the period, highlighting examples of some institutions that make use of VR and AR. The advantages of the use of VR, AR and sometimes mixed reality are also pointed out. Design/methodology/approach Libraries, archives and museums are increasingly using AR/VR technologies in their service delivery because it is trending. The year 2018 is expected to be huge for VR technology. Findings Facebook is the largest investor in AR and VR, and because Facebook is also extremely popular, many are opportune to have a go at VR and AR through the use of the Facebook social media platform. Originality/value VR “involves using 3D graphics and advanced interactions to immerse a real-world user in a simulated environment”, by the description of the University of Indiana University, Bloomington’s Blogspot. AR stands for extended reality and actually, in technical terms, means a combination of virtual and real reality (UWS, 2018). Both VR and AR, 3D printing and other technologies have altered how people live and work.

Purpose The article is the first for this column for 2017. It is full of information mainly from blogs and wikis. The aim of the article is to highlight trends in technology in libraries as posted on the blogs and wikis. Design/methodology/approach The methodology used is that of getting the most trending news from the wikis and blogs in the first quarter of the year and reporting on them. Findings The projections for the year are emphasized moving from artificial intelligence to information literacy. Originality/value These are the trends projected from the internet cybersphere. It sure is trending!

No abstract