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

Aug 28, 2026

Beyond Reality explores how augmented, virtual, and mixed reality technologies transform library services, access to licensed and digitized materials, and the ways people interact with information. The work positions these immersive systems as a new frontier for addressing challenges in space, budgets, and patron data confidentiality, while expanding opportunities for nonlibrary venues. It defines core concepts such as augmented and virtual reality and sets the stage for practical and policy-focused discussions across multiple chapters.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages25

Reading Time1 h 3 min

AccessFree to download

Preface

Augmented Reality

All about Holograms

Extended Reality in Informal Learning Environments

Virtual Reality for 3D Modeling

Play, Education, and Research

Exploring Virtual Reality through Libraries

Every Student Her Universe

Alternate Academic Realities

Integrating 3D and Virtual Reality into Research and Pedagogy in Higher Education

Information Literacy Instruction Using Virtual Reality

Augmented Reality in the Library

Pivoting toward a Security-First Implementation Strategy

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality and Their Legal Implications for Libraries

Legal Implications for Libraries

About the Contributors

Index

BEYONDREALITY Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality in the Library Edited by KENNETH J . VAR NUM CHICAGO 2019 KENNETH J. VARNUM is senior program manager at the University of Michigan Library. In this role, he is responsible for the library’s discovery systems, document delivery and link resolver interfaces, and the library’s evolving and emerging analytics infrastructure. Over his two decades working with public-facing technology in academic, corporate, and special libraries, he has gained a deep appreciation and understanding of the need to tailor systems and interfaces to the local userbase. A frequent speaker and author, Varnum presents and writes about discovery systems, library analytics, and technology. In addition to numerous articles and chapters, he wrote Drupal in Libraries (2012), compiled the LITA Guide The Top Technologies Every Librarian Needs to Know (2014), and edited Exploring Discovery: The Front Door to Your Library’s Licensed and Digitized Content (2016) . He also edited Lorcan Dempsey’s The Network Reshapes the Library (2014) . Varnum received his master’s degrees from the University of Michigan’s School of Information and its Center for Russian and East European Studies, and his bachelor of arts degree from Grinnell College. You can contact him through his website at [https://www.varnum](https://www.varnum)[.org/ or on Twitter at @varnum.](.org/ or on Twitter at @varnum.) © 2019 by the American Library Association Extensive effort has gone into ensuring the reliability of the information in this book; however, the publisher makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein. ISBNs 978-0-8389-1785-5 (paper) 978-0-8389-1810-4 (PDF) 978-0-8389-1809-8 (ePub) 978-0-8389-1813-5 (Kindle) Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Varnum, Kenneth J., 1967– editor. Title: Beyond reality : augmented, virtual, and mixed reality in the library / edited by Kenneth J. Varnum. Description: Chicago : ALA Editions, An imprint of the American Library Association, 2019. | Includes index. | Includes bibliographical references and index. Identifiers: LCCN 2018049625 | ISBN 9780838917855 (paper : alk. paper) | ISBN 9780838918098 (epub) | ISBN 9780838918104 (pdf) | ISBN 9780838918135 (kindle) Subjects: LCSH: Virtual reality—Library applications. Classification: LCC Z678.93.S53 B49 2019 | DDC 006.8—dc23 LC record available at [https://lccn.loc.gov/2018049625](https://lccn.loc.gov/2018049625) Cover design by TJ Johnson. Cover image © kiankhoon, iStock Photo. Text design in the Chaparral, Gotham, and Bell Gothic typefaces. This paper meets the requirements ofANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992 (Permanence of Paper) . Printed in the United States of America 23 22 21 20 19 5 4 3 2 1 Contents Preface ix 1 | Augmented Reality All about Holograms 1 AUSTIN OLNEY 2 | Extended Reality in Informal Learning Environments 17 CHAD M. CLARK 3 | Virtual Reality for 3D Modeling 31 BOHYUN KIM 4 | Play, Education, and Research Exploring Virtual Reality through Libraries 47 BRANDON PATTERSON, TALLIE CASUCCI, THOMAS FERRILL, AND GREG HATCH 5 | Every Student Her Universe Alternate Academic Realities 57 R. BRUCE JENSEN / vii viii / contents 6 | Integrating 3D and Virtual Reality into Research and Pedagogy in Higher Education 69 MATT COOK AND ZACK LISCHER-KATZ 7 | Information Literacy Instruction Using Virtual Reality 87 FELICIA A. SMITH 8 | Augmented Reality in the Library Pivoting toward a Security-First Implementation Strategy 99 BRIGITTE BELL AND TERRY COTTRELL 9 | Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality and Their Legal Implications for Libraries 109 MICHAEL RIESEN About the Contributors 119 Index 125 Preface AT A TIME WHEN LIBRARIES ARE FACING A RANGE OF SIGNIFIcant challenges, including rapidly evolving needs for physical space, constant budgetary pressures, and growing concern over the confidentiality of p

FAQs

What challenges are libraries facing that immersive reality technologies can address?

Libraries face evolving needs for physical space, constant budget pressures, and growing concern over the confidentiality of patron-generated data. The book frames virtual, augmented, and mixed reality as offering new options to respond to these pressures.

How does the book define augmented reality?

Augmented reality is enhanced reality where the user perceives the real world, while the computer adds objects, information, or details not physically present. The book gives examples such as aircraft heads-up displays and Pokémon GO.

What topics are covered beyond basic definitions of virtual and augmented reality?

The contents include implementation strategies, integration into research and pedagogy, information literacy instruction, and legal implications for libraries, along with practical applications such as 3D modeling and holograms.

Aug 28, 2026

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