This document discusses the possibilities of using augmented reality (AR) in libraries. It begins with definitions of AR as combining real and virtual elements in real-time, as coined by researchers in the 1990s. The history of AR from early prototypes in the 1960s-1990s is overviewed. Current AR applications like Wikitude, Layar, and Junaio are described. Suggested uses for libraries include using AR markers on books to provide additional multimedia content, connecting physical items to online databases, and implementing an interactive literary tour. Specific library AR projects are also mentioned.

1. Augmented Reality – Possibilities For Libraries
(a presentation given during the Summer of 2010)
What is AR?
The most widely accepted definition is the one give by Rob Azuma,
Research Leader for the Nokia Research Center in Hollywood:
“AR allows the user to see the real world, with virtual objects superimposed upon or composited with
the real world.” (Azuma, 1997)
Azuma’s Three Characteristics of Augmented Reality:
- combines real and virtual
- interactive in real time
-registered in 3D.
The term was first coined in 1992 by a Boeing researcher named Tom Caudell to distinguish it from
Virtual Reality.
Virtual Reality is a completely computer-generated environment, while AR blends computer
generated and real-world elements.
History of AR
In 1968, Ivan Sutherland created the first augmented reality interface
First mobile application was The Touring Machine, made by Steve Feiner et al. in 1997. This device
had a handheld component, and incorporated GPS.
2001: Rob Kooper and Blair MacIntyredevelop the Real World Wide Web Browser, the first AR Web
browser.
Current Applications
Wikitude
http://www.wikitude.com/en/
Point of interest can be searched by current position and viewed on a map, list, and on an
Augmented Reality (AR) camera view
Users can create their own Wiki Worlds and upload them.
Wikitude Drive:
The system works by attaching your mobile phone on top of your dashboard with the camera facing
the road. The application then overlays video captured through the camera with driving instructions.
This allows users to literally drive through their phone, watching the road even while they are looking
at directions.

2. Layar
http://www.layar.com/
“Layers can provide services, such as finding ATMs, houses for sale and restaurants including
reviews. Layers can also provide an experience with interactivity, 3D objects and sounds for games
and engaging guided tours. Many layers provide both.
There are many layers to choose from, for example Architecture 3D, Foursquare, Google local
search, Twitter, Wikipedia, Yelp, Gowalla and Yellowpages.
There are thousands of layers; both international and local, paid and free.
Has Layers aimed at information as well as social interests such as Tweeps Around, which shows
what Twitter tweets were posted in the area.
Users can create their own Layers and upload them.
Junaio
http://www.junaio.com/
Aimed more at social uses, such as entertainment or social media.
Users can create their own Channels and upload them.
Uses image recognition (using online image search) and “glueing” capability to attach virtual
information to a physical object.
Aurasma (Currently iPhone only)
http://www.aurasma.com/
“Available on smartphones, the app was created out of technology that is capable of recognizing
images, symbols and objects in the real world and understanding them. It can then deliver relevant
content in real time, including videos, animations, audio or webpages.”
Happenings
Happenings are Auras that are posted in a specific geographical location - paintings in a gallery, for
example. Press to see what is nearby, or, by setting your smartphone to vibrate, you will be
automatically alerted to when there are Happenings in your area.
Anywheres
Anywheres are Auras that can be recognized in any place independent of geographic location -
newspapers, for example. Create your own Anywheres by pressing , capturing distinctive images
that you and your friends will be able to see, share and bring alive on your smartphones.
Super Anywheres
Super Anywheres are just like Auras except they were made by the Aurasma team.
This has the best potential for libraries – similar to Junaio, uses any image as an AR code (book
cover, logo, etc.)

3. AR Markers and QR Codes
AR Markers look like simpler QR Codes, but are used differently. AR Codes are simple locators used
by software to pinpoint a location, where QR Codes have embedded information that leads to
something.
Sample AR Markers:
Sample QR Codes:

4. Suggestions for library uses of QR and AR:
Kelly Tenkley, founder of iLearn Technology blog:
AR Markers on books and shelves to trigger information and multimedia events (video book review,
3D visualization of image from inside)
Connect items and areas to Shelfari, LibraryThing, etc.
Literary book tour, where locations trigger information relevant to a book or author
Julie Strange, founder of The Strange Librarian blog:
“A customer holds her device up to the shelf of books she’s looking at and it tells her that the library
has databases on her subject and that on tuesday there is a guest lecture program she might be
interested in. Or perhaps that the next in the series is due in the library next month and she can
reserve it now!”
Library Uses
ARToolKit
http://www.hitl.washington.edu/artoolkit/projects/
ARToolKit is aimed specifically at developers, and doesn’t have an app for phones. However, it
enables the design of a wide range of applications.
SmartLibrary
http://www.mediateam.oulu.fi/press/news/53/?lang=en
Developed by Oulu University Library in Finland, SmartLibrary enables map-based guidance to a
desired book or collection, uses RFID and a Wi-Fi–based location tracking system to display a
person’s location in relation to the item she or he seeks
Expanded books:
AR code:

5. RFID:
RFID:
Awesome shelf checking app:
http://www.users.muohio.edu/brinkmwj/ar/
(Also can be used for cataloging)
References
Azuma, R. T. (1997). A survey of augmented reality.Presence: Teleoperators& Virtual Environments,
6(4), 355-385.
Caudell, T.P., &Mizell, D. W., (1992). Augmented Reality: An application of heads-up display
technology to manual manufacturing processes. Proceedings of 1992 IEEE Hawaii International
Conference on Systems Sciences, pp. 659-669.
Feiner, S., MacIntyre, B., Höllerer T.,&Webster, A.(1997). A touring machine: Prototyping 3D mobile
augmented reality systems for exploring the urban environment. Proceedings of First IEEE
International Symposium on Wearable Computers (ISWC '97), pp 74–81.
Kooper, R., &MacIntyre, B. (2003). Browsing the Real-World Wide Web: Maintaining Awareness of
Virtual Information in an AR Information Space. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction,
16(3), 425-446.
Strange, J. (2010, January 26).(geolocation + augmented reality + QR codes) libraries. Retrieved
from http://strangelibrarian.org/2010/01/geolocation-augmented-reality-qr-codes-libraries/
Sutherland, I., (1968). A head-mounted three dimensional display. Proceedings of Fall Joint
Computer Conference, 757-764.
Tenkley, K. (2010, September 9). The augmented reality library. Retrieved from
http://ilearntechnology.com/?p=3035