The Liquid Galaxy in the library

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the usability and user perceptions of the display technology in the library to evaluate the utility of the Liquid Galaxy (LG) technology and how it was deployed in a library setting. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents the results of a mixed method (survey and interview) qualitative study of users of the LG Google Earth/Google Street View immersive display in the Research Hub of Davis Library of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill conducted in April 2015. In total, 25 users of the LG responded to survey or interview questions about their user experience and their emotional response to the LG. Findings Users found the LG easy to use and they had many reasons for using the LG including: research, education, entertainment, trip planning and nostalgic virtual travel. Originality/value There are few studies on users’ experience of innovative non-way finding display technology in library settings and this study then adds to the literature on this subject. These results may assist organizations evaluating incorporating an immersive display such as the LG into their offerings.