XR Content Creation in Libraries: Empowering Users and Expanding Digital Possibilities

 

Extended Reality (XR)—an umbrella term covering Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—is no longer limited to industry and gaming. Libraries are now becoming active producers of XR content, helping learners, researchers, and community members create immersive digital experiences.

As AI, 3D modeling tools, and no-code XR platforms become more accessible, libraries can evolve from XR consumers to XR creators, adding new value to education, digital literacy, and community innovation.

 

Why XR Content Creation Matters in Libraries

Benefit	Description
Promotes Digital Creativity	Users learn 3D design, storytelling, and spatial media skills.
Supports STEM and Vocational Education	Enables simulation-based learning and virtual prototyping.
Boosts Research & Innovation	XR becomes a tool for data visualization, architecture, archaeology, and medical studies.
Strengthens Library Visibility	XR labs attract partnerships, grants, and collaborations.
Empowers Local Communities	Cultural heritage digitization and AR storytelling projects thrive.

 

Types of XR Content Libraries Can Help Create

1. 360° Photos & Videos

• Virtual campus tours
• Local history documentation
• Event capturing
• Makerspace tutorials

Tools: Insta360, GoPro Max, Google Street View Studio

How to build XR Labs in Libraries: A Practical Guide for Implementing AR/VR/MR Services

 

Libraries across the world are evolving from passive information centres into active creators of immersive learning experiences. After understanding the potential of AR/VR/MR, the next major step for forward-looking libraries—academic, public, or special—is the creation of an XR Lab.

An XR Lab (Extended Reality Lab) is a dedicated space where users can explore Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR) and 360° digital environments for learning, training, research, and innovation.

This guide outlines how librarians can plan, design, implement, and sustain an XR-enabled learning environment.

 

1. Why Libraries Need XR Labs

Libraries with XR Labs gain significant advantages:

• Support for STEM, vocational, technical, and professional learning
• Opportunities for immersive research (anatomy, architecture, engineering)
• Hands-on simulation-based learning
• Enhanced information literacy and digital literacy
• Increased user engagement and footfall
• Establishment of the library as a technology and innovation hub

AR/VR/MR in Libraries: Transforming User Experience Through Immersive Technologies

 

What is AR, VR, and MR? (Quick Infographic)

Technology	What It Does	User Devices
AR – Augmented Reality	Adds digital elements on top of the real world	Mobile, Tablet, AR Glasses
VR – Virtual Reality	Creates a fully immersive digital world	VR Headset + Controllers
MR – Mixed Reality	Merges digital objects with the physical world and allows interaction	HoloLens, Magic Leap

 

Why XR (AR/VR/MR) Matters for Libraries

Libraries are shifting from information storage to experiential learning ecosystems. XR enables:

• Immersive learning experiences
• Enhanced visualization for complex subjects
• Collaborative and interactive learning
• Skill-based, hands-on simulations
• High engagement and curiosity-driven exploration

 

Call for Papers – upcomming issue (Vol. 1, Issue 2) of JLII

 Call for Papers – upcomming issue (Vol. 1, Issue 2) of Journal of Library Insights & Innovations

• ISSN: 3107-9652

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII), a Gold Open Access journal dedicated to advancing research and practice in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). We invite researchers, academicians, LIS professionals, and scholars to submit their original research articles, case studies, review papers, and innovative practices for the upcomming Issue (Vol. 1, Issue 2), scheduled for publication in December 2025.

Scope & Topics

The journal welcomes contributions on, but not limited to, the following areas:
✔ Library Management & Services
✔ Open Source Software for Libraries
✔ Digital Libraries & Institutional Repositories

Launch of the Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII)

 

We are delighted to announce the launch of the Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII), published by DrLibSc.

JLII is an open access journal created to bring together librarians, educators, researchers, and information professionals to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and showcase innovations in Library and Information Science.

Our first issue features a diverse set of contributions that highlight the evolving role of libraries in a digital era. All articles are freely available under the Creative Commons (CC BY 4.0) license, ensuring global accessibility and visibility.

We sincerely thank the authors, reviewers, and advisory/editorial team whose support has made this inaugural issue possible. We warmly invite the LIS community worldwide to read, contribute, and join us in shaping JLII into a platform of innovation and collaboration.

👉 Explore the inaugural issue here

Warm regards,

Niranjan Mohapatra
Managing Editor
Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII)
Published by DrLibSc