UKSG, Glasgow, March 2012, Jo Lambert, Mimas

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)

SCARLET contextStudents 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

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

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

Benefits for students

Mimas

Project management, AR technology expertise and development, learner evaluation and toolkit development

John Rylands Library

Special collectionsexpertise, technical integration

with digitised content and special collections materials

Academics

Award winning academics from Humanities faculty developing

and delivering content

Multi-disciplinary team

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.”

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 key editions of the poem which are particularly important in terms of the publishing and or/intellectual history

All published between 1472 and 1555

Dante content development

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.”

Guyda

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.”

Matt

User journey video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UzI1dtSQ7ac

Evaluation processVarious 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?

Feedback final year UGTechnology 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

Feedback 1st year UG

Positive response and SCARLET considered:•‘very inspirational’•‘almost like not studying’

Useful introduction to special collections materials

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

Lessons learned: process

Multi-disciplinary team

Focus on student learning

Iterative development cycle

User focused design, evaluation and review

Wider audience

SCARLET JRUL public engagement project

How can AR add value and enhance understanding of an object at JRUL for the general public?

SCARLET Blog

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

Find out more

Blog: http://teamscarlet.wordpress.com

Twitter: @team_scarlet

Email me: Jo.lambert@manchester.ac.uk