The Feasibility of Implementing Augmented Reality Technology for Delivering Library Services: A Case Study at the University of Bahrain

Abstract

Engaging new mobile technology tools, which deliver information and knowledge, become part of our daily life. One of these tools is Augmented Reality (AR), a technology that blends the real world with computer-generated media. Through in-depth analysis, this study investigated the researchers’ (academics and students) behavioral intention to use mobile AR technology to access special library services: current awareness service (CAS) and selective dissemination of information service (SDI), provided by University of Bahrain (UOB) library as an example. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used and focused on Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness together with Attitude toward using and Behavioral Intention to use new technologies, together with Perceived Behavioral Control to test the factors of using AR technology in accessing UOB library services. A questionnaire was distributed to collect data from targeted sample researchers. Findings revealed that AR technology was accepted by UOB library users in receiving through their mobile an instant and frequent information of the two important tested library services. Results showed that perceived usefulness, perceived behavioral control and attitude toward using AR technology had positive significant effects on the researcher’s intention to receive library service using AR technology.