This study aims to make an inquiry regarding the advantages and challenges of integrating augmented reality (AR) into the library orientation programs of academic/research libraries. With the vast number of emerging technologies that are currently being introduced to the library world, it is essential for academic librarians to fully utilize these technologies to their advantage. However, it is also of equal importance for them to first make careful analysis and research before deciding whether to adopt a certain technology or not. AR offers a strategic medium through which librarians can attach digital information to real-world objects and simply let patrons interact with them. It is a channel that librarians can utilize in order to disseminate information and guide patrons in their studies or researches. And while it is expected for AR to grow tremendously in the next few years, it becomes more inevitable for academic librarians to acquire related IT skills in order to further improve the services they offer in their respective colleges and universities.
The study shall employ the pragmatic approach to research, conducting an extensive review of available literature on AR as used in academic libraries, designing a prototype to illustrate how AR can be integrated to an existing library orientation program, and performing surveys and interviews on patrons and librarians who used it. This study can serve as a guide in order for academic librarians to assess whether implementing AR in their respective libraries will be beneficial to them or not.
