• Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.45-64
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• 2018

The global information economy is transforming the way people connect with each other, learn new things, and contribute to the knowledge society. With the online platform, library services have also expanded beyond face to face interaction. Although studies of virtual reference services have been made in different parts of the world, a case study discussing various forms of online reference engagement in Kazakhstan has not been written. While most of the theories on connectivism emphasize the context of instruction, the researchers of this paper discussed the tenets as they relate to online engagement. Applying the theory of connectivism, this paper explores through a mixed method the use of various online platforms to enhance engagement connecting library users to information. Findings revealed that differences in patterns of interactions as to platforms, types of queries, and users reveal that students, faculty, and other members of the academic community served by the library have various preferences for communication. The case study further showed that respondents have not maximized the use of VLS but interest in using both synchronous and asynchronous services is clear. Finding connections between sources of information, creating useful information patterns, is essential in learning. Amplifying awareness on the use of VLS giving emphasis to the unique features of each service is useful in order to enable students to see how this platform facilitates learning.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.141-148
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• 2019

The study aims to assess college students' perception and needs for applying virtual reality(VR) techniques to library services. To achieve the purpose of the study, the study broadly reviewed previous studies related to applying various intelligent information technology including VR techniques to the core tasks and services in the fields of library. The study also examined total 563 college students' needs and perception regarding to applying VR techniques to current library services by using the survey method. On the basis of the survey findings, the study suggested some strategies for re-educating and preparing current librarains and library workers who can utilize new intelligent information technologies and contents including VR in the fields of library.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Library and Information Science
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.367-383
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to develop a practical model for enhancing cooperative virtual reference services of public libraries in the nation. The research methods include an examination of model cases from Europe and the V.S. and also an electronic questionnaire survey of 375 public librarians (73% response rate). The study results suggest the need for 'a collaborative virtual reference room' which consists of the collaborative reference database, virtual reference desk, guidance and instruction designed by age groups and/or subjects.

• Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.375-403
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• 2020

The purpose of the research is to discuss the directions of university library services development applying virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies and contents. In order to achieve the goal, the research investigated university librarians' awareness and demands regarding to applying VR/AR technologies and contents to university library services. The following questions are asked via online survey method to university librarians: what kinds of necessity and awareness about VR/AR technologies they have, what kinds of competency and environment (infrastructure) are required for the services, and how to conduct continuing education for service development, etc. On the basis of the survey results, the research suggested the matters to be noted when applying VR/AR technologies and contents to university library services. Furthermore, the contents and strategies to be considered and prepared when developing a library program using VR/AR technologies and contents were discussed and follow-up research topics were suggested.

• Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.1-28
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• 1999

This study aims to provide some rosie material for the libraries to improve its role for supporting the virtual university by recognizing the changing roles to have to support the distance education which is becoming a growing area in the coming new century due to the necessity of continuing renewal and the retaining of the information related workers. Through the study, a few conclusions were derived. (1) To support the virtual university, the library services should be directed toward the operation of the full access - philosophy and should reflect the information needs of the off-campus students. The librarians should be equipped with the ability to make use of networked resources and to provide the document delivery services together with the ability to develop the web-based user training programs. The department of library and Information Science should educate the future librarian for the purpose of supporting the virtual university. (2) A written and agreed guidelines should be established to specify the philosophy, management, facilities, resources and services to support the virtual university. And it is desirable that in the near future the department and a librarian responsible for the supporting the distance education should be established.

• International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.77-105
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• 2021

In order to establish a digital-based use environment for the provision of new information services suitable for the 5G era, it is necessary to discuss the direction of service provision by the National Library of Children and Young Adults in the 5G era. Based on utilization services in other fields, library services in the 5G era, including the development and provision of employee education and training services, ultra-high-definition and 360-degree realistic contents and education on library use, provision of multi-dimensional realistic media streaming broadcasting services, provision of telepresence education programs, activation of virtual communities, implementation of hologram performance halls/exhibit centers, and provision of unmanned book delivery services, environment monitoring, safety monitoring, and customized services, were proposed. In addition, based on 5G service, 5G technology, and library application direction, advancing into a producing and supporting base for ultra-realistic and immersive contents in the 5G era, strengthening online and mobile services in the non-contact era, and establishing a smart library environment were proposed as the service provision direction for the National Library of Children and Young Adults in the 5G era.

• Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.63-74
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• 2021

Virtual Reality (VR) is one of the core components of the fourth industrial revolution as a technology that makes the virtual world feel as if it is real. VR is being used in various fields such as entertainment, advertisement, education, medical care, training, sports, and tourism, as well as providing contents for such things as games and videos. Libraries are already looking for ways to utilize VR from various angles, such as operating experiential programs. The purpose of this thesis is to develop and propose a VR-based library user education program. In order to achieve the purpose of the study, we analyzed previous studies from a theoretical perspective to find a way to construct a user education program, and also to derive possible implications based on examples of countries such as the United States and Korea that are already introducing and applying VR technology to library services. Therefore, the user education program proposed in this study can be used as a basic building block when many libraries want to develop VR-based programs in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Library and Information Science
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.293-319
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• 2023

As libraries strive to improve their services, many have expressed interest in implementing new technologies. One such technology is metaverse, a virtual-reality space that enables social activities using avatars. However, implementing this technology can be challenging when many librarians are unfamiliar with the concept. This study aimed to investigate how librarians' prior experiences with metaverse influence their expectations and potential use of the technology in libraries. Interviews with a total of 18 librarians were conducted. The study findings reveal that librarians had different conceptualizations of metaverse, regardless of prior experience. However, librarians had different thoughts on the potential use of metaverse for libraries dependent on prior experience. Regarding thoughts on potential use, the librarians who had non-experience running metaverse programs suggested ideas in expanding and trying out new services within metaverse. The librarians who had experience running metaverse programs, on the other hand, suggested focusing on transferring the existing services that are currently being provided in the library to metaverse.

• International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.85-104
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• 2022

In this study, in line with the era of the fourth industrial revolution, general concepts, technologies, trends, and examples of virtual reality and augmented reality were examined, and based on this, a plan that could be applied to libraries in the future was proposed. As a result of the study, first, it is necessary to construct a smart space as an experiential play space that can satisfy cultural desires transcending time and space by providing immersive contents using 4th technology such as VR and AR. Second, it is necessary to expand experiential cultural support services through VR, AR and MR. Third, to develop educational contents based on augmented reality technology. In order to apply and activate virtual reality and augmented reality in libraries in the future, based on a survey of librarians and users of public libraries, a survey on the application status, satisfaction, and demand of current public libraries should be conducted.

• International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.27-41
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• 2023

The outbreak of the corona virus diseases (COVID-19) in the late 2019 has affected all facets of educational system including library and information services. Reference services, an important aspect of library services are not exempted from this impact. This study therefore, investigated the impact of COVI\D-19 pandemic on the use of reference services and sources by postgraduate students using Kenneth Dike Library (KDL), University of Ibadan, as a case study. Using descriptive survey of correlational type, the study adopted the use of structured questionnaire to randomly select three hundred (300) postgraduate users of reference sources and services in KDL using online survey monkey. Of the three hundred (300) copies, two hundred and twenty three (223) copies, repre- senting 74.3% were retrieved and used for analysis. Findings revealed that, in spite of COVID-19 pandemic, most postgraduate students used Current Awareness Services (203, 91.0%, mean = 3.19), Reference Sources (202, 90.5%, mean = 3.18) and On-line Public Access Catalogue (195, 87.4%, mean = 3.13); low frequency of bibliotherapy (mean=2.22), Reader's Advisory services (mean=2.30) and inter-library loan (mean=2.13) and that COVID-19 pandemic had high impact on post- graduate students' use of reference services in Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan. Based on the findings, recommendations were made that library management should consider the adoption of virtual reference services (VRS) in addition to the conventional mode of refer- ence services to enhance patronage in the COVID-19 era. The library users should also be trained on how to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to learn new skills in the digital space that will eventually optimize the usage of the library remotely.