Augmented reality for kids in the library

Extended reality (XR) technologies (an umbrella term encompassing virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies), can have a thriving place in libraries if introduced with the intent of enhancing learning and engagement for each user group. In particular, AR technologies could greatly benefit children by sparking a curiosity in learning new information through the monitored use of technology in a library setting.

I watched the webinar Augmented reality and virtual reality in the library: Opportunities for learning, hosted by Naseej Academy, with guest speaker Lauren Hayes. This webinar was a sound introduction into XR technologies, with Hayes (2021) offering some insightful information about how these technologies are being used currently. She also spoke on the likelihood of these technologies becoming commonplace in higher education and workforce settings, making it worthwhile to introduce them to children to gain some insight to their applications and functions. I also learnt of some new XR technologies that could be applied in a learning environments that I did not know existed, particularly because I do not use these types of technologies in my personal life.

However, there were some areas that were not spoken about in much depth that I would have liked to learn more about. For instance, the examples given about how AR could be applied in public libraries were only spoken about in theory, based upon some activities being conducted in school settings. Therefore, I decided to do some brief additional research to get a better understanding of how this technology could be used in a library. The blog by Trapp (2016) offered some practical insight from a school librarian about how AR technology could benefit students by increasing their interaction and understanding on a range of different topics at school, with relatively cheaper and more accessible formats than in the webinar. The State Library Queensland (2017) also offers some additional information and resources for libraries to begin implementing AR into library services for a range of ages, focusing more on non-fiction information.

As AR technologies digitally overlay information into physical settings, bringing images, sounds and or other data into a middle space between virtual and physical spaces (Williams & Nwagwu, 2025), there are several ways I could use the information I have learnt here into future library work with children and youth. Libraries can be safe spaces for families navigating the responsible use of technology with the children, whilst not limiting their growth, passion or exploration of information and resources available through the library (Campana et al., 2019). Being a library professional means that I should be advocating for ways that technology such as AR could be introduced into library services for children as a way to encourage and support different learning styles of children of various ages, socioeconomic backgrounds and abilities. Research in this area has shown that the use of XR technologies can improve children’s skills in areas such as collaboration, critical thinking, motivation to learning and communication in school environments (Maas & Hughes, 2020). Public libraries could support this for children by offering AR technology in STEM programs, early literacy activities like Storytimes or after school clubs, to expand access to new technology, enhance the reading experience or improvement the overall learning experience of children and youth (PlugXR, 2023). 

References 

Campana, K., Mills, J. E., Haines, C., Prendergast, T., & Martens, M. (2019). To tech or not tech? The debate about technology, young children, and the library. Children & Libraries, 17(2), 20-26. https://doi.org/10.5860/cal.17.2.20

Hayes, L. (2021, August 5). Augmented reality and virtual reality in the library: Opportunities for learning [Webniar]. Naseej Academy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOc5w2hf7D4

Maas, M. J., & Hughes, J. M. (2020). Virtual, augmented and mixed reality in K-12 education: A review of the literature. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 29(2), 231-249. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.1080/1475939X.2020.1737210

PlugXR. (2023, July 5). Augmented reality in libraries: Revolutionizing the way we learn. Medium. https://medium.com/end-to-end-ar-solution/augmented-reality-in-libraries-revolutionizing-the-way-we-learn-2af9d898b315

State Library Queensland. (2017). Augmented reality… For free! [Blog post]. State Library Queensland. https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/augmented-realityfor-free

Trapp, L. (2016, November 18). Use augmented reality with your elementary students! [Blog post]. The Trapped Librarian. https://trappedlibrarian.org/2016/11/14/use-augmented-reality-with-your-elementary-students/

Williams, C. B., Nwagwu, W. E. (2025). Virtual and augmented reality in the libraries: Situation analysis, hotspots and new directions. Journal of Library and Information Science. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.1177/0961000625133261