An elderly assistive device substitutes for traditional online library catalogs

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/EL-12-2019-0292
Pages223-237
Date08 April 2020
Published date08 April 2020
AuthorCheng-Wei Chiang,Yi-Hui Liu,Chien-Po Wang
Subject MatterInformation & knowledge management,Information & communications technology,Internet
An elderly assistive device
substitutes for traditional
online library catalogs
Cheng-Wei Chiang
Department of Digital Content Design, Ling Tung University, Taichung, Taiwan
Yi-Hui Liu
Department of Senior Citizen Service Management,
National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan, and
Chien-Po Wang
Department of Management Information Systems, National Chiayi University,
Chiayi, Taiwan
Abstract
Purpose This paper aims to present an augmented reality(AR) application to aid the elderly in library
reference search.The application supports the elderlyin searching books and videos in a largelibrary when
librarianshave insufcient time to meet their needs.The elderly searching in a large librarycould be difcult
for them due to the vast area, complicated online library catalogs and their physical deterioration, such as
failing eyesight, tendinitis and memory problems. Our system, SearchAR, fully supports the 3D images of
object contentbased on books and videosin Ling Tung University (LTU) librarycatalogs. Using the latestAR
technology,users can use mobile phone to scan the quickresponse (QR) code in front of the LTU library,and
then the elderly canexperience LTU library map labeled by different colors in real-time and understand the
locations of the video areas and book shelves areas. Later, they canuse SearchAR to scan the QR codes on
bookshelves,books or videos to view the 3D graphics without readingcomplicated catalogs and content.The
results show that among the images, the elderly recognition of the 3D imageswas the highest, and the
experimental group using AR technology as a searching aid shows a higher searching effectiveness than
the controlgroup; 60 per cent of the elderly feltthey saved more time for searching booksand videos with the
help of SearchAR,and it was easy to arouse theirassociation; the elderly indicatedthat combined image of the
library mapand the labels with different colorsare clear and simple; the content of booksand videos are easy
associated withthe 3D images; the elderly mentionedthat using SearchAR is a great experiencewithout any
readingcomplicated online catalogs.Finally, this studyconcludes that AR technologydoes enhance the elderly
searchingability in LTU large library.
Design/methodology/approach The SearchAR applicationwas an integrating library catalog,which
provides AR and 3D graphics. The elderly can also use SearchAR to see a library map and every library
elementvia 3D graphics before they start searchingin a wide area.
Findings This makes it easier for elderlyto navigate a library without using complicated onlinecatalogs,
and it reduces timespent on reading and searching.
Originality/value AR has been used for a variety ofguiding and educational purposes. However, AR
has been rarelyapplied to supplement traditional libraryservices for elderly.
Keywords Augmented reality, Library mining and searching, The elderly
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Elderly may experience barriers to use a library such as transportation or mobility, or in
accessing materials due to visualor auditory challenges. Elderly may have minor effects on
Elderly
assistive
device
substitutes
223
Received25 December 2019
Revised16 February 2020
25February 2020
Accepted28 February 2020
TheElectronic Library
Vol.38 No. 2, 2020
pp. 223-237
© Emerald Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/EL-12-2019-0292
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
https://www.emerald.com/insight/0264-0473.htm

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