Research Design to Evaluate an Academic Library's Orientation Program Applying Mobile Augmented Reality

Abstract

Despite the continuous efforts of academic libraries to develop various user-centered outreach programs, services and new processes, library anxiety still remains a threat to university students’ full use of academic library resources. Meanwhile, a new generation of students, called the “Net Generation,” has grown up with developed information and communication technology enter university and must be persuaded to turn to the library. To serve this new group of patrons better, libraries need to adopt new technologies. However, since an initial introduction cost and labor efforts are involved in the integration of the technology, identifying the right time for introduction and the right scope of innovation is essential but difficult. The study proposes a not-yet-well-known, novel experimental design, Regression Point Displacement (RPD), to evaluate an orientation program applying Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) for STEM students. Since this RPD design requires only one treatment group, the model is expected to be the incomparable and rational way to evaluate the new MAR technology. In the context of an informal learning experience, the findings of the study will determine the effectiveness of an orientation employing the MAR technology.