Libraries have long been vital hubs for education, yet emerging technologies like extended reality (XR) and generative AI (GenAI) have received far less attention in library settings than in other educational contexts, such as traditional classrooms, computer labs, or makerspaces. What's more, libraries serve diverse patron groups beyond students, including children, adults, elders, and underserved communities such as individuals experiencing homelessness. This reality makes it more difficult to apply new technologies in libraries to suit various patron groups' needs.
This project highlights the untapped potential of XR and GenAI in libraries. It contains several sub-projects to understand how XR and GenAI technologies are valued and needed in libraries and how the two technologies can expand services in libraries.
Status: Completed
Emerging technologies, particularly generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and virtual reality (VR), enable public libraries to offer new possibilities and better experience to patrons. Despite the promising prospects, implementing emerging technologies, particularly GenAI, in public libraries faces significant barriers, including insufficient funding, a lack of technical skills, and staff attitudes toward new technology. Among these, the attitudes of library professionals could be particularly influential, as their acceptance and positive disposition toward these new innovations may impact the effectiveness of applying these technologies and the experience and benefits of patrons. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the perceptions of public librarians, library administrators, and other employees regarding new technologies, particularly GenAI and VR, the true value of these technologies to them, and their genuine needs for these technologies.
In this project, we interviewed 12 library professionals regarding their perceptions of the values of and needs for XR and GenAI in libraries. Preliminary results shows that GenAI was more helpful to libraries and patrons than XR. GenAI is a powerful tool as it supports multiple uses in libraries, while XR is a novel and "luxury" experience--it is a low-priority service with limited practical application.
Status: Undergoing
Based on the results from Project 1, we are now replicating the William Allen White (WAW) Library at Emporia State University in a VR environment. GenAI technology will be added in the VR library. We seek to gain the development experience of creating a VR library and explore how such a VR library may function as a complement, alternative, or replacement to the physical WAW Library. We will also investigate how patrons perceive this VR library.
Status: Upcoming
Building upon the results and experience from Project 2, Project 3 will create a GenAI-enhanced VR public library to provide an interactive library experience. Patrons can explore the space, search books or information, and engage with AI-powered librarians for real-time assistance. I hope to reduce library staff's workload and extend public library services to diverse communities, including underfunded and rural libraries, enhancing information access, engagement, and social presence.