Exploring Library Collections with AR

Soon, some books in the library will come alive with Augmented Reality (AR) and 3D images. Using AR technology, our library has developed an in-house application to enhance the experience of browsing our pop-up books collection.

Presently, to preserve the delicate condition of pop-up books, only the photocopy of the book covers are placed on the shelves for browsing. The actual book is kept in a restricted area, available only upon request.

However, book covers provide scant details of the book content. So, to enhance the browsing experience of the pop-up books, 3D models and videos are superimposed on the book.

Touch to Discover the Hidden Content

The 3D model of the pop-up book appears when the cameras of tablets installed with the application detect the image of the book cover. You can interact with the book by flipping through the book to get a glimpse of the content within its pages. The flipping animation creates a seamless experience that simulates the feel of handling the physical book. You will be able to flip through the first few pages of the pop-up book through our AR application, before deciding to request or borrow the physical pop-up book from our service counter.

The browsing area for these books will be ready soon. So, do keep a lookout for it.

An Award-winning Initiative

This initiative was presented as part of a poster titled “Library tour using virtual reality and augmented reality: The National Institute of Education Library experience” at the recent International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) held from 24 to 30 August 2018 in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.

The NIE Library poster won second prize among 122 global entries shortlisted for the poster session.

The Library virtual reality tour featured on the poster can now be accessed from the NIE Library portal.

#Oct2018