Academic Librarians' Attitudes towards Augmented Reality

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Extended Abstract
Background
Augmented Reality (AR) is a digital layer in the physical environment, which adds virtual elements to the real world. Academic libraries must meet certain criteria to qualify as fourth-generation libraries, one of which is the use of new technologies. This study aimed to investigate librarians' views on the components of augmented reality technology in the libraries of medical universities.
Methods
The research method was survey and the type of study was applied. The study utilized a quantitative research approach and a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical population comprised 183 academic librarians in medical science universities under supervision of Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Using a 52-question online survey, data on librarians' acquaintance with AR, its application, possible benefits, opportunities, and challenges in medical science university libraries were obtained in 2021. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data. This instrument comprised of ten sections. The first section examined the respondents' demographic information (age, sex, occupation, and level of education). The other sections examined their familiarity with AR technology (one question), the application of AR technology (12 questions), facilities and requirements of AR technology (four questions), acceptance of AR (three questions), advantages of AR (nine questions), library management assistance (seven questions), user assistance (four questions), librarian assistance (eight questions), AR technology limitations (one question), and AR technology opportunities (three questions). The reliability of an instrument is related to the degree of its stability in measuring the intended construct. To ensure the face and content validity, the questionnaire was examined and approved by several professors and experts, and then modified based on their comments. The internal validity of the questionnaire was assessed through CVI and its reliability was assessed using ICC (validity within and between assessors). The face validity of the questionnaire was confirmed using the opinions of 10 experts in the fields of information science and augmented reality technology and its reliability was obtained through the test-retest method and the calculated Cronbach's alpha correlation coefficient was 0.96. Using the online questionnaire, the data of librarians' perspectives on the components of familiarity, facilities, application, advantages, opportunities, and limitations were collected in the form of 5 Likert questions (from grade 1 strongly disagree to grade 5 strongly agree). The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26, independent t-test, ANOVA, and Tukey to evaluate the status of augmented reality technology components, were utilized for data analysis.
Results
The librarians' overall attitude toward AR technology was assessed on a five-point Likert scale, with the mean of 3.75 and a standard deviation of 0.59. In general, 73.65% agreed with the ten items. The application of AR technology received an average score of 4.17 (86.99%) and the highest score overall. The general attitude of librarians towards the components of application, facilities, advantages, opportunities, and limitations of AR technology was at a desirable level, 73.65% of librarians agreed with AR technology and 86.99% agreed with its application in the libraries of medical universities. The results of the Tukey test showed that more graduate students than PhD students agreed with the component of facilities available in university libraries to launch AR. The AR component of library management and assistance to librarians was considered more effective by librarians over 50 than those under 30 (P <0.05). The ANOVA measured the relationship between the mean components of AR technology and the participants' age. According to Tukey's test, there was a significant difference in library management assistance (p-value = 0.007) between the age groups of >50 and <30 years, with the >50-year-old group scoring higher. The relationship between librarianship and different age groups was evaluated using Tukey’s test, and the results showed a significant difference between the age groups of <30 and >50 years (p-value = 0.04). There was no significant difference between the components of AR technology based on the field of study. The correlation between overall score and various age groups was analyzed using Tukey's test. The results indicated a significant difference between the average age groups of <30 years and >50 years (p-value =0.03). The >50 years age group had a higher overall score than the 30 years age group. Librarians' familiarity had an average of 3.02; 60.54% of them were familiar with AR technology. Thus, their familiarity with AR technology was above average (average=3 in Likert). To assess their views on the use of AR technology (application) in the libraries of medical universities, 12 sub-questions were asked about AR technology use, 83.48% of the librarians agreed with the AR applications in the library. Thus, their attitudes toward AR technology efficiency were at an optimal level. In terms of facilities and requirements for launching the AR technology, four items were provided in the questionnaire, 56.53% of the librarians agreed with the AR facilities and requirements in the academic library. Also, their attitudes towards facilitating the management of university libraries using technology were assessed via seven items about AR, 78.28% of the librarians agreed with all the statements. In terms of acceptance of technology, three items were provided in the questionnaire, 56.61% of the librarians agreed with the AR acceptance. Concerning the advantages of AR technology, the questionnaire included nine questions, and 74.29% of the librarians agreed with all of them. Thus, their views on the benefits of technology in library management were at a desirable level. There were eight questions on librarian assistance, and the librarians agreed with all the statements (79.48%), showing a desirable level. The librarians were also asked about the specifics of AR technology for library users in four items. Based on the findings, a desirable level of agreement was found with all the statements (79.48%). With 59.67% of respondents agreeing to a question about the limitations and challenges of AR technology, the percentage of agreement was above average. The librarians also mentioned opportunities that AR technology conferred in three areas, 77.77% of them agreed with all of the statements.
Conclusion
Librarians' attitudes toward launching AR technology and application were favorable. According to the results of the present study, the most important components of the use of AR technology in the libraries of medical universities to strengthen user education included the existence of appropriate content, its usefulness, the provision of diverse services, user guidance, location, and opportunity to implement AR on a larger scale. The application of AR technology, measured by 12 items from the perspective of librarians, received the highest score compared to other components. The librarians are optimistic about the use of AR technology in various library departments. Due to the nature of technology and people's expectations, the advantages of AR technology for librarians are obvious. Therefore, based on the results, AR technology is potentially useful. According to the librarians, emerging technologies primarily create opportunities and facilitate works via the use of new library software, databases, devices, and tools. To retain their users and fulfill their primary mission of disseminating information and knowledge to the public, university libraries must deploy modern equipment in accordance with societal demands. The librarians' attitude to augmented reality technology was satisfactory.
Practical Implications of Research
The findings of the research indicate that librarians acknowledge the potential of AR technology. Due to the technology adoption, librarians are responsible for enhancing the quality of library services. Assisting librarians and the academic library user community, and launching AR technology in the library can help medical university libraries strengthen their specialized affairs.
Ethical Considerations
The present study observed all ethical requirements, including the condition of fidelity and honesty. Users were not required to provide any personal information in order to fill out the survey, and they were assured that their responses would remain confidential. In addition, the participants' agreement was requested prior to their participation in the research.
Conflict of Interest
There is no conflict of interest among the authors.
Acknowledgment
The present article is an excerpt from the doctoral dissertation entitled "Study of Augmented Reality Technology in the Libraries of Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education" with the code 1202.8633. The authors of this article are grateful for the support of Payam-e-Noor University in conducting and publishing this research article, and for the esteemed reviewers who promoted the article.