Virtual Library

Abstract

We present an immersive VR interface for a public library where a mirror-world like virtual copy of the physical library is blended with imaginary virtual fantasy layers into a hybrid space for library content. The design of the system was guided by multi-stakeholder Participatory Design process involving library staff, library customers and researchers. The findings of the qualitative user evaluation of the prototype suggest that this kind of a VR interface is an exciting extension to a physical library, indicating the unlimited possibilities offered by the VR's ability to send the user into imaginary places. CCS Concepts •Human-centered computing → Virtual reality; Participatory design; •Information systems → Digital libraries and archives;

Reconstructing Personal Stories in Virtual Reality as a Mechanism to Recover the Self

“…The self-narrative can be understood through exposure in VR, where people can easily play with the creation of new features of their virtual self [15], as they can believe it is only a simulation, a mirror, or a copy of their real life. The combination of the realistic or mirror-like and the fantastic effect VR has can be used for a wide range of purposes not limited to treatment, and showing diverse influences on self-image and reality concepts [101,102]. However, because exposure in VR offers a new perspective [103] through novel utilization of the storytelling medium [104], a person finds themselves immersed and starts changing their self-concepts more quickly and easily than in reality (see Figure 1).…”