Augmented Reality (AR) is the overlapping of the real world and the virtual world. AR is an evolving technology, and its implementation opens up a new direction to multiple types of information access services rendered to the users. The digital library section of the central library IIT Kharagpur has a rich collection of several items like CD/DVD ROMs, Digital Scanners, and VR Devices. Library developed in-house WebAR programs using “ar.js” that support “three.js” and “A-Frame” for Augmented Reality rendering on the web. This study tried to evaluate web-based AR programs’ performance on mobile devices with low-end hardware configuration supporting WebGL and WebRTC. We conducted quantitative research to find the performance of the web-based AR applications using the four independent variables, namely frames per second (fps), request animation frame (raf), load time (lt), entity object (eo). The paper is also helpful to the academic librarians who think about implementing augmented reality library services with no cost involved. The AR-based information service is beneficial to library users with new COVID norms1, as the user does not need to touch anything to get the information. Instead, it gets into his/ her mobile device.
Immersive environments refer to a computer-simulated 3-dimensional virtual world. Libraries worldwide have been adopting and implementing new immersive technologies to enhance users’ experience and learning. The Central Library of IIT Kharagpur offers (i) web-based augmented reality (WebAR), (ii) virtual reality (VR), and (iii) data visualisation immersive services. This research investigates the users’ perceptions on factors that influence their satisfaction with WebAR/VR services. The study surveyed 135 random users to note their immersive library experience; out of them, only 100 users responded to our survey. The results show that 90 per cent of the respondents were satisfied with our services. Secondly, the respondents revealed that data privacy, health, and safety were some of the critical factors that influenced their satisfaction. Further, 14 per cent were apprehensive in terms of their health & safety. In fact, these users reported vision problems, disorientation, dizziness, sweating, and nausea. Based on the data collected, we prepared a framework, using The DELOS DL reference model for information delivery, along with educational and research activities. We believe that this study would lend crucial insights to academic libraries that may be planning to adopt and implement AR/VR as part of their immersive environment.
Objective – The main objective was to create an information commons (IC) model for the existing library with minimum structural changes to achieve maximum benefit. The subdivisions of the main objective were: to find out students' expectations and perceptions of an ideal learning environment; to find out the factors which influence the satisfaction level of the students for the library; to find out how satisfied are students from the existing library; and to find out the current library usage pattern of the students. Methods – Based on the available literature on the topic, an online questionnaire survey was constructed with Google Forms and sent to current cohorts studying at the institute through e-mail, along with the study's rationale and a request for participation. We contacted 294 students, of which 199 responded. The data were analyzed and presented using Microsoft Excel. Results – The findings of the study showed the keen interest of the students in library resources and services. It also showed that the students were not fully satisfied with the current library space and working hours. They wanted enhanced quiet areas and collaborative spaces where information experts help them use the current technology to improve their learning experience. Based on the gathered data analysis, an IC model for redesigning the existing library has been recommended. Conclusion – The present study was the first step in research on ICs in the Indian context. This pilot study captured the perception and expectations of all levels of students: postgraduate, working executives, and senior-level executives. Most of the suggestions have been incorporated into the plan. With very few construction changes and new furniture, this model can be easily implemented in a small academic library without discarding the old furniture.
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