Transform children's library into a mixed-reality learning environment: Using smartwatch navigation and information visualization interfaces

Abstract

Digital natives are born into an information-dense resource-plentiful world, which greatly stimuluses their numerous needs with regard to libraries. Children have insufficient conceptual framework of knowledge and hard to understand the correlation between call numbers and themes. Young readers need an interactive, learning environment to enable them to find the books which are interested in by thematic order. Researchers apply the Cognitive-developmental theory and children's information seeking behaviors into the invention of a mixed-reality futuristic library for children using cutting-edge technologies. We first created a visualized children's book classified system using facet structured thesaurus, and employed beacon indoor positioning technologies to locate categorization of themes in non-linear arrangement of bookshelves. We then designed navigation interfaces to help children search for books using smartwatches. An integration of RFID smart bookshelf for popular books (placed in thematic-random-order), and visualized browsing interfaces were designed for children. Digital wall screens in clustering (inspired) and categorization (discovering) representations developed to recommend books for children in different cognitive-development groups. For children learning library-use instruction in a virtual-world environment, we created a mixed-reality corridor, in which children were immersed in interactive games and learn what the classification numbers mean. The world children live in is a three-dimensional space. Children at the concrete operational stage of development are apt to use their experiences in this physical world to navigate virtual worlds. Researchers proposed and examined various spatial-metadata schemes for a mixed-reality environment designed for children to find books. Smart library with innovative technologies has the power to transform informationseeking behavior and brings libraries to life, allowing children readers to benefit from digital learning in a state-of-the-art library environment.