Factors influencing the adoption of extended reality (XR) applications in libraries for sustainable innovative services: a systematic literature review (SLR)
| Date | 25 October 2024 |
| Pages | 22-40 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-06-2024-0188 |
| Published date | 25 October 2024 |
| Author | Khurram Shahzad,Shakeel Ahmad Khan Ahmad Khan,Yasir Javed,Shakil Ahmad |
Factors influencing the adoption of
extended reality (XR) applications in
libraries for sustainable innovative
services: a systematic literature
review (SLR)
Khurram Shahzad
Department of Library, Government College University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Shakeel Ahmad Khan Ahmad Khan
Department of Information Management, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
Pakistan, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Yasir Javed
College of Computer and Information Sciences, Prince Sultan University,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and
Shakil Ahmad
Department of Central Library, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Purpose –This study aims to identify the factors influencing the adoption of extendedreality (XR)
applications in libraries for sustainable innovative services and reveal the challengesof adopting XR
technologyin libraries.
Design/methodology/approach –A systematic literature review was applied to address the study’s
objectives. The26 most relevant seminal studies published in peer-reviewedjournals were selected to conduct
the study.
Findings –The findings showed that access to digital collections,skill development, marketing, innovation
and sustainable development factors influencethe adoption of extended reality applications in libraries. The
study illustratedthat technical challenges, financial challenges, the unavailabilityof staff expertise and lack of
institutionalsupport caused barriers to the adoption of XR in libraries.
Originality/value –The study has added valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge. It has
provided a framework to efficiently adopt extended reality in libraries for the delivery of sustainable,
innovativeservices to library patrons.
Keywords Extended reality, Libraries, Library services, Challenges, Impact factors,
Sustainability, Innovative services, Technologyadoption
Paper type Literature review
The authors would like to thank Prince Sultan University for their support.
Declaration of conflicting interests: The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with
respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.
EL
43,1
22
Received27 June2024
Revised2 S eptember2024
2 October 2024
Accepted13 October2024
TheElectronic Library
Vol.43 No. 1, 2025
pp. 22-40
© Emerald Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/EL-06-2024-0188
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
https://www.emerald.com/insight/0264-0473.htm
Introduction
Libraries are considered the hubs for the implementation and adoption of cutting-edge
technologies for the provision of sustainableinnovative services to library patrons. Extended
reality (XR) is an emerging technological application in librarianship that assists library
users in virtualizing physical interfaces (Fujiuchi and Riggie, 2019;Salehi et al., 2023).
Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term encompassing augmented reality (AR), virtual
reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR), which collectively blend or create immersive digital
environments and experiences. As libraries play a vital role in supporting knowledge, the
implementation of XR in academicsettings offers several opportunities to librarians to refine
services according to the evolving technologies in the present age (Ellern and Cruz, 2021;
Kluge et al., 2023). Academic libraries adoptXRtechnology to offer sustainable innovative
library services tolibrary patrons and to conduct efficient information literacy sessions(Frost
et al., 2020;Oyelude,2018;Pregowska et al., 2024).
For enhancing efficiency, productivity and sustainability in library activities, extended
reality plays a supportive role (Vasarainen et al.,2021). Space flexibility is a prominent
factor influencing librarians to implement XR applications in libraries. Extended reality
services may be initiated in libraries through the availability of an XR headset, a pair of
controllers and an XR-ready computer (Huber et al., 2021;Jain and Behera, 2023). XR
provides an interactive virtual environment to library patrons so they can feel innovative
things happening in real-time (Billingsley et al.,2019;Greene and Groenendyk, 2021).
Smart integrated library services are started and sustained through XR effectively and
efficiently to support the mission of educational institutions (Fang, 2020;Oladokun et al.,
2023;Wei et al., 2015).
In our current age, libraries are the laboratories of experimentationto address the diverse
needs of their Generation Z users and otherusers (e.g., those with disabilities), making the
adoption of emerging technological tools including XR highly indispensable (Alomari et al.,
2023;Biocca et al.,2007;Hahn, 2012). Extended reality is a productive tool for the delivery
of context-aware library management as it assists library leadership in managing routine
library operations efficiently (Garoufali and Garoufallou, 2024;Krevelen and Poelman,
2010;Shatte et al., 2014).Digital training services are provided to library patrons through the
incorporation of XR applications in academic settings (Ylipulli et al.,2023). Extended
reality proves fruitful in reshaping library services and encourages librarians to offer
technology-based solutions to facilitate end users effectively and efficiently (Lessick and
Kraft, 2017;Schoneet al., 2023;Vasarainen et al.,2021).It is innovative in its nature and has
the capability to transform informationaccessibility to support the information and research
needs of library patrons (Margam,2024).
Many different XR devices and services are available in academic libraries. The most
popular XR devices used in libraries are the HTC VIVE, the Oculus Rift by Facebook and
Google Cardboard (Frost et al., 2020). XR applications are very helpful for collection
managers who have to do difficult and time-consuming tasks like checking shelves,
managing inventory and finding lost or missing items. XR technologies could make these
tasks easier and faster, allowing staffto spend more time on other important work (Fujiuchi
and Riggie, 2019). XR is innovative for libraries in severalways. It assists libraries to create
immersive experiences, such as virtual toursof their collections or historical sites, giving
users a new way to explore and learn. XR can make rare items accessible to everyone by
creating digital, 3D versionsthat can be explored in detail without the risk of damage. It can
enhance learning experiences by offering interactive educational content. This technology
helps with practical tasks like virtual training for staff, making libraries more modern and
The Electronic
Library
23
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