AR uses computer graphics to overlay information on real world objects. The SCARLET project uses AR to link rare books and artifacts in university libraries with related digital materials. This enhances student learning by providing contextual information around physical objects. The project developed an AR application for special collections at The John Rylands Library that was piloted in three undergraduate courses. Evaluation found students found the technology easy to use and video introductions were most valuable. Lessons learned include ensuring content is contextual and closely linked to objects. The toolkit developed is available to help other institutions implement similar projects.

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. Raising institutional value
Engaging students with innovative
use of technologies will help
universities to be seen as cutting
edge.
Students require more
demonstrative input and engaging E-
learning materials, AR can help
achieve this.
AR derived e-learning materials offer
flexibility to support traditional form
of study in parallel with course aims
and objectives.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Visual Recognition
Technology uses visual
cues to display
surrounding content.

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

12. 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?

13. 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

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

15. 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

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

17. Wider audience
SCARLET JRUL public
engagement project
How can AR add value and
enhance understanding of
an object at JRUL for the
general public?
First focus group
conducted April 2012

18. Other subject applications
Early discussions with
Medical school relating to
use in clinical skills. (e.g.
trainee doctors,
pharmacists, trainee
dentists etc.)

19. Other subject applications
Use with other
Mimas services
visualising data
(e.g. Landmap).

20. SCARLET Blog

21. 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

22. SCARLET+
May 2012 – April 2013
•The University of Sussex and the Craft Study Centre at
the University for the Creative Arts
•Trial the AR Toolkit with two different types of
collections (mass observations and visual arts)
•Leading to 2 case studies of embedding AR in the
wider community and further examples of AR

23. Selected conference presentations
• JISC Online Conference Activity Week 2011
• ELI 2012 Annual Meeting
• UKSG 2012
• Electronic Resources and Libraries
• CNI meeting
• LILAC 2012
• m-libraries workshop
• ELAG
• NOWAL
• HEA Conference
• CILIP's Mobile Technology Executive Briefing
• A number of articles have been published and accessible via the
SCARLET blog

24. Find out more
Blog: http://teamscarlet.wordpress.com
Twitter: @team_scarlet