Applications of metaverse-related technologies in the services of US urban libraries

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the applications of metaverse-related technologies in US urban libraries, explore excellent cases of US urban libraries' practices in using metaverse-related technologies to serve patrons and try to find the factor that may affect the application of metaverse-related technologies in libraries at this stage.Design/methodology/approachTo gather information about how and whether libraries use metaverse-related technologies such as three-dimensional (3D) technology, radio frequency identification (RFID), virtual reality augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) in their services. Firstly, the authors visit 150 US urban library websites that are members of the Urban Libraries Council. Secondly, the authors calculate the proportion of services provided by urban libraries that use metaverse-related technologies and introduce outstanding cases. Lastly, the authors discuss the factors that influence the application of metaverse-related technologies in urban libraries in the United States based on data published by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.FindingsMetaverse-related technologies have been widely used in US urban libraries, but there are differences in the popularity of the applications of different technologies. In all, 84% of libraries use 3D technology, mainly in 3D printing services and 3D model building services; 76% of libraries use virtual and augmented reality technologies in their services, mainly concentrated in head-mounted VR device experiences, AR device experiences, virtual tours and virtual exhibitions; 62% of libraries use Internet of things (IoT) technology, mainly in self-checkout machines and book location services. However, AI technologies are less used in libraries, with 28% of libraries mentioning the applications of AI in their services, mainly focusing on intelligent search, virtual assistants and robot librarians. In addition, this study finds that library operating expenditures and population served do not affect the application of metaverse-related technologies in libraries.Originality/valueThis paper provides updated statistical data on the use of metaverse-related technologies in US urban libraries and aims to help library managers understand the overall applications and best practices. With this as an inspiration, they could formulate corresponding development plans to better serve their communities with metaverse-related technologies.

Editorial: Special selection on current bibliometrics and reviews

“…Feng et al (2024c) conducted a bibliometric analysis of maker education to reveal the research hotspots and frontiers. Results indicate that such research is still in development, and the COVID-19 pandemic has severely inhibited related research and education (Conrad et al, 2022;Fasae et al, 2021;Guo et al, 2023;Meng et al, 2023;Yu et al, 2023;Zhang et al, 2023). Readers may also be interested in reading further about makers' learning needs and behaviors (Zhang and Hu, 2022), makerspace curriculum and libraries' use of single-board computers out of the makerspace (Maceli, 2019(Maceli, , 2022.…”

“…Research hotspots gradually developed from conceptual research to artificial intelligence, blockchain, NFT and other technical applications. Readers may be interested in reading recent articles on metaverse applications to urban libraries (Guo et al , 2023) and bibliometrics on metaverse applications in health education (Agac et al , 2023).…”

Factors influencing the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) in university libraries: a systematic literature review (SLR)

“…Rapid developments in ICTs, global positioning systems, quick advancements in information technology devices and the rise of artificial intelligence were moving toward the application IoT (Chen and Hao, 2022; Deshpande and Bhalachandra, 2020; Osman et al , 2023; Stefanidis and Tsakonas, 2015; Yusuf et al , 2019). Technological advancements motivate librarians to implement IoT-based services in university libraries (Ahmad and Zulkifli, 2022; Burak and Kusbeci, 2023; Guo et al , 2023; Koohang et al , 2022). The Fourth Industrial Revolution influenced the implementation of emerging technologies including IoT in libraries (Amoah and Minishi-Majanja, 2023).…”

“…Value-added library services are offered and library resources and services are promoted through innovative techniques (Ahmad and Zulkifli, 2022; Shahzad and Khan, 2023). Innovative reference services are provided to end users through the development of smart library systems and the implementation of trending tools in university libraries (Amoah and Minishi-Majanja, 2023; Guo et al , 2023).…”

Editorial: Special selection on contemporary bibliometric analytics

“…Wang et al (2023a) also studied the research hotspot of ethics education in science and technology using bibliometrics methods and suggested room for improvement in this research area. Readers may be interested in bibliometric analyses on urban education (Chen et al, 2019), intelligent education research (Ma et al, 2022), technical vocational education training (Abd Majid et al, 2022), maker education (Feng et al, 2022c) and metaverse research (Feng et al, 2022a;Guo et al, 2023). In addition, a special issue on "Contemporary learning behaviors on mobile devices and social media" will soon be published this year.…”