The document discusses the SCARLET project, which uses augmented reality (AR) to enhance students' experience with rare books and special collections. It provides an overview of the goals, benefits, development process, and lessons learned from pilot courses integrating AR into Italian Studies, English/American Studies, and Classical Studies. Feedback from students was positive, finding the technology easy to use and resources provided valuable, though some found advanced content less relevant. The multi-disciplinary team aims to create an open toolkit and continue engaging wider audiences.

1. UKSG, Glasgow, March 2012, Jo Lambert, Mimas

2. What is AR?
AR uses computer graphics
to add a layer of
information on the real
world
Aims to assist
understanding and/or
interaction with the world
around you
Natural-feature tracking
(physical object) and marker
less (GPS coordinates)

3. SCARLET context
Students must consult rare
books within the controlled
conditions of library study
rooms
The objects are isolated from
the secondary, supporting
materials and the growing
mass of related digital assets
Unfamiliar experience for
students used to living in an
online world

4. SCARLET aims
Provide method of linking
fragile and rare objects with
related online resources
Use AR to enhance the
learner experience
Develop a methodology that
can be replicated in other
contexts

5. Benefits for students
Combining the magic of
seeing and handling primary
sources with leading-edge
technology to support
research-led teaching
Surrounding objects with
contextual material
Users retain information
when actively involved in a
learning experience

6. Multi-disciplinary team
Mimas John Rylands Library
Project management, AR technology Special collections
expertise and development, learner expertise, technical integration
evaluation and toolkit development with digitised content and special
collections materials
Academics
Award winning academics from
Humanities faculty developing
and delivering content

7. Perspectives from the team
John Hodgson, Collections Manager
“The future of AR within special collections is
very exciting. We're demonstrating that AR can
really enliven students experience of special
collections.”

9. Pilot courses
Pilots in three UG courses:
•Italian Studies
– Beyond the Text: The Book and its Body
•English and American Studies
– Milton
•Classical Studies
– Egypt in the Graeco-Roman World

10. Dante content development
10 key editions of the
poem which are
particularly important in
terms of the publishing
and or/intellectual history
All published between
1472 and 1555

11. Perspectives from the team
Guyda Armstrong, Lecturer in Italian
“Using AR we can show students the treasures
we have in the library and we can open up
resources to them using this exciting new
technology.”

12. Guyda

13. Perspectives from the team
Matt Ramirez, Lead Technical (AR) Developer
“AR promotes active learning and critical
response by encouraging students to engage
with the rich, visual content.”

14. Matt

16. User journey video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UzI1dtSQ7ac

17. Evaluation process
Various evaluation methods
(focus groups, surveys)
How effective is the AR app in
providing a comparison of the 10
selected objects (Dante)?
Does AR add value to students
study and assist with learning
outcomes?
How can feedback be used to
inform the next development
phase?

18. Feedback final year UG
Technology was easy to use
Video introductions related to
specific objects were most
valuable
Provided a central reference to
content and resources
Beneficial for initial planning of
essays and basic knowledge
acquisition
Their level of expertise made
some content less relevant

19. Feedback 1 year UG st
Positive response and
SCARLET considered:
•‘very inspirational’
•‘almost like not studying’
Useful introduction to
special collections
materials

20. Lessons learned: content
• Useful for an introduction to a subject, UG 1 & 2
• AR may be more suitable when used as part of an
activity-based learning exercise
• Use of AR should be contextual, closely linked to the
object and offer a unique experience
• Amount of time required by academics to assist in
content development shouldn’t be underestimated

21. Lessons learned: process
Multi-disciplinary team
Focus on student learning
Iterative development
cycle
User focused design,
evaluation and review

22. Wider audience
SCARLET JRUL public
engagement project
How can AR add value and
enhance understanding of
an object at JRUL for the
general public?

23. SCARLET Blog

24. SCARLET toolkit
Available June 2012
Help others to engage
with their users and offer
new ways to demonstrate
the value of special
collections across the UK
Embedding toolkit within
institutions

25. Find out more
Blog: http://teamscarlet.wordpress.com
Twitter: @team_scarlet
Email me: Jo.lambert@manchester.ac.uk