Beyond Reality: Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality in the Library

Beyond Reality

Where to Buy?

The current price of virtual reality headsets may seem out of economic reach for most libraries, but the potential of “assisted reality” tools goes well beyond merely inviting patrons to strap on a pair of goggles. Ranging from enhanced training to using third-party apps to enrich digital collections, there are a kaleidoscope of library uses for augmented, virtual, or mixed reality. In this collection, Varnum and his hand-picked team of contributors share exciting, surprising, and inspiring case studies from a mix of institution types.

Table of Contents

  • Preface Chapter 1: "Augmented Reality: All about Holograms," by Austin Olney
  • Chapter 2: "Extended Reality in Informal Learning Environments," by Chad M. Clark
  • Chapter 3: "Virtual Reality for 3D Modeling," by Bohyun Kim
  • Chapter 4: "Play, Education, and Research: Exploring Virtual Reality through Libraries, by Brandon Patterson, Tallie Casucci, Thomas Ferrill, and Greg Hatch
  • Chapter 5: "Every Student Her Universe: Alternate Academic Realities," by R. Bruce Jensen
  • Chapter 6: "Integrating 3D and Virtual Reality into Research and Pedagogy in Higher Education," by Matt Cook and Zack Lischer-Katz
  • Chapter 7: "Information Literacy Instruction Using Virtual Reality, by Felicia A. Smith
  • Chapter 8: "Augmented Reality in the Library: Pivoting Toward a Security-First Implementation Strategy," by Brigitte Bell and Terry Cottrell
  • Chapter 9: "Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality and Their Legal Implications for Libraries," by Michael Riesen
  • About the Contributors
  • Index

Updated 10 November 2021.

  • "Concepts and challenges covered would benefit readers no matter their library type affiliation, though librarians with emerging technology responsibilities, outreach, or user services, will, particularly benefit." Roxanne Backowski, Serials Librarian, November 9, 2021, 10.1080/00987913.2021.1986918.
  • "[A]fter reading, I also felt I had a much stronger sense of the value we are able to give students, faculty, and staff through these services." Kristen Cardoso, Public Services Quarterly, vol. 16, no. 2, 10.1080/15228959.2020.1735732.
  • "[I]t is encouraging to see how different libraries are using AR/VR/MR for their patrons, and if your library is considering an AR/VR/MR program, Varnum’s book is a good starting point." Daniel Kipnis, RUSQ, vol. 59, no. 2, 10.5860/rusq.59.2.7279.
  • "This book provides quick, concise discussions and implementations of various augmented, virtual, and mixed reality services in public and academic libraries, and is an excellent resource for any library exploring and experimenting with these services." Bradford Lee Eden, Journal of Web Librarianship, October-December 2019, vol. 13, no. 4, 10.1080/19322909.2019.1695429.
  • "Any library considering the implementation of augmented, virtual or mixed reality hardware and software will find Beyond Reality to be an indispensable planning tool." Nancy Nyland, Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship, October-December 2019, vol. 31, no, 4. 10.1080/1941126X.2019.1670493.
  • "The authors have demonstrated exciting possibilities, at varying points on the investment and technical involvement spectra, and although this is far from being an instructional guide, the information necessary for those keen to get started is supplied." Alan MacLennan, Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, December 1, 2019. 10.1177/0961000619890757.
  • "Overall, the book strikes a good balance between technical information and discussion of broader issues regarding the present and future of AR/VR for libraries." Booklist, July 26, 2019.