Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in libraries and museums

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.

The Media Space of a Modern Library in the Context of Its Organizing by Virtual and Augmented Reality Technologies

“…The literature analyzes the current challenges and benefits of using VR/AR in libraries using examples from specific institutions [2]. Pellerin, Mi and Valk (2019) [4] explore the potential of using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies with archival materials to enhance STEM-based learning and outreach in the university.…”

“…Technology is expanding how library materials are provided and received and how users can interact with them [1]. Therefore, libraries and archives are increasingly using AR/VR technology to provide services, a pervasive trend [2].…”

Experimenting with 360° and virtual reality representations as new access strategies to vulnerable physical collections: Two case studies at the KB, National Library of the Netherlands

“…Also, libraries sometimes provide space and services to help develop projects or collaborate with other institutions, such as universities or private companies. For instance, in 2018, the University of California San Diego Geisel Library's Digital Media Lab offered virtual reality headsets, 3-D printing and digital expert consultation to students and a general audience (Oyelude, 2018).…”

Two sides of the same coin: accessibility practices and neurodivergent users' experience of extended reality

“…The interest and application of Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) has boomed in recent years with huge increment in popularity across different markets, from gaming and education, to customer services and workplaces (Bohil et al, 2011;Meagan Shelley, n.d.;Zweifach and Triola, 2019). With VR, AR and MR becoming mainstream, more and more people use these technologies in personal and professional settings within their everyday lives (Funk et al, 2017;Oyelude, 2018;Ripamonti et al, 2021). However, XR technologies rely on immersive multisensory stimulations, and it is unclear how these affect people who have different sensory processing patterns.…”

“…With VR, AR and MR becoming mainstream, more and more people use these technologies in personal and professional settings within their everyday lives (Funk et al. , 2017; Oyelude, 2018; Ripamonti et al. , 2021).…”