How to build XR Labs in Libraries: A Practical Guide for Implementing AR/VR/MR Services

 

2nd Blog in the XR-in-Libraries Series

By Niranjan Mohapatra, World Skill Center

Libraries across the world are evolving from passive information centres into active creators of immersive learning experiences. After understanding the potential of AR/VR/MR, the next major step for forward-looking libraries—academic, public, or special—is the creation of an XR Lab.

An XR Lab (Extended Reality Lab) is a dedicated space where users can explore Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR) and 360° digital environments for learning, training, research, and innovation.

This guide outlines how librarians can plan, design, implement, and sustain an XR-enabled learning environment.

 

1. Why Libraries Need XR Labs

Libraries with XR Labs gain significant advantages:

• Support for STEM, vocational, technical, and professional learning
• Opportunities for immersive research (anatomy, architecture, engineering)
• Hands-on simulation-based learning
• Enhanced information literacy and digital literacy
• Increased user engagement and footfall
• Establishment of the library as a technology and innovation hub

AR/VR/MR in Libraries: Transforming User Experience Through Immersive Technologies

 

1st Blog in the XR-in-Libraries Series

By Niranjan Mohapatra, World Skill Center

What is AR, VR, and MR? (Quick Infographic)

Technology	What It Does	User Devices
AR – Augmented Reality	Adds digital elements on top of the real world	Mobile, Tablet, AR Glasses
VR – Virtual Reality	Creates a fully immersive digital world	VR Headset + Controllers
MR – Mixed Reality	Merges digital objects with the physical world and allows interaction	HoloLens, Magic Leap

 

Why XR (AR/VR/MR) Matters for Libraries

Libraries are shifting from information storage to experiential learning ecosystems. XR enables:

• Immersive learning experiences
• Enhanced visualization for complex subjects
• Collaborative and interactive learning
• Skill-based, hands-on simulations
• High engagement and curiosity-driven exploration

 

Call for Papers – upcomming issue (Vol. 1, Issue 2) of JLII

 Call for Papers – upcomming issue (Vol. 1, Issue 2) of Journal of Library Insights & Innovations

• ISSN: 3107-9652

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII), a Gold Open Access journal dedicated to advancing research and practice in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). We invite researchers, academicians, LIS professionals, and scholars to submit their original research articles, case studies, review papers, and innovative practices for the upcomming Issue (Vol. 1, Issue 2), scheduled for publication in December 2025.

Scope & Topics

The journal welcomes contributions on, but not limited to, the following areas:
✔ Library Management & Services
✔ Open Source Software for Libraries
✔ Digital Libraries & Institutional Repositories

Launch of the Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII)

 

We are delighted to announce the launch of the Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII), published by DrLibSc.

JLII is an open access journal created to bring together librarians, educators, researchers, and information professionals to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and showcase innovations in Library and Information Science.

Our first issue features a diverse set of contributions that highlight the evolving role of libraries in a digital era. All articles are freely available under the Creative Commons (CC BY 4.0) license, ensuring global accessibility and visibility.

We sincerely thank the authors, reviewers, and advisory/editorial team whose support has made this inaugural issue possible. We warmly invite the LIS community worldwide to read, contribute, and join us in shaping JLII into a platform of innovation and collaboration.

👉 Explore the inaugural issue here

Warm regards,

Niranjan Mohapatra
Managing Editor
Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII)
Published by DrLibSc

Registration for UGC-NET DEC 2025 is going on

 

About UGC-NET

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been entrusted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) with the task of conducting UGC-NET, which is a Test to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for ‘Award of Junior Research Fellowship’ ,  ‘Appointment as Assistant Professor’, ‘Appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D.’ and ‘Admission to Ph.D. only’ in Indian Universities and Colleges. The UGC-NET is being conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode w.e.f. December 2018 onwards.

Awarding Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and/ or Eligibility for Assistant Professorship and/ or Admission to Ph.D only depends on the aggregate performance of the candidate in Part-I and Part-II of UGC-NET. The candidates qualifying under the ‘appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D.’ category will be eligible for appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D. but not for the award of JRF. The candidates qualifying under the ‘admission to Ph.D. only’ category will be eligible for admission to Ph.D. only but not for the award of JRF and/or appointment as Assistant Professor.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND DATES AT A GLANCE 

• Online registration and submission of Application Form (complete in all respects) through NTA Website: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/  07th October 2025 to 07th November 2025 (upto 11:50 P.M.) 
• Last date for successful transaction of Examination fee (through Credit Card/ Debit Card/Net Banking/UPI Payment Modes 07th November 2025 (upto 11:50 P.M.)