Virtual Guest Lecture in Collaboration With the Ministry of Education Culture Research and Technology, Diponegoro University School of Postgraduate Studies on “Future Library in Metaverse”

Professor Dr. Goh Khang Wen , Pro Vice Chancellor International Relation and Collaborations , INTI International University delivered a virtual lecture on “Future Library in Metaverse” held on the 17^th August 2023 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Culture Research and Technology,  Masters Programme of Information Systems School of Postgraduate Studies Diponegoro University Semarang Indonesia.

In this virtual lecture Professor Dr Goh shared his views and insights into the world of augmented reality known as the metaverse, a critical space or spaces made possible by the new, decentralized iteration of the internet, built on artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging 3D visual technologies, the metaverse creates a sense of physical space in the digital world. Metaverse technologies would have the potential to transform education by bringing teachers and students together remotely in shared spaces which would serve to  enhance vocational training and create new opportunities for lifelong learning. Metaverse users can embody themselves into their Avatars and explore virtual student libraries, a seamless way to have access to education.

Professor Dr Goh explained how the Metaverse offers a range of possibilities for libraries to connect with in novel ways using VR technology , AR Extended reality, cloud computing , block chain technology  and social media, to name a few. Libraries could create immersive and interactive learning environments, conduct virtual tours of library spaces and offer virtual reference services, amongst others. Academic studies have found that VR can positively improve a variety of learning outcomes – such as comprehension, knowledge retention and student engagement. Metaverse technologies can also help to tackle geographic disparities and give students opportunities to learn from people and institutions they can’t access locally.

Metaverse Libraries would allow users to access an extensive collection of books, journals and other resources through an immersive, interactive interface. Users can search for and borrow materials, collaborate with other students, and even attend virtual lectures and workshops. Metaverse users can embody themselves into their Avatars and explore virtual student libraries and by joining these communities Avatars experience an immersive learning experience, a seamless way to access education.

The metaverse is the next evolution of the internet. It spans a range of technologies, including virtual reality (VR) headsets that transport you to whole new environments; augmented reality (AR) glasses that will one day project computer-generated images onto the world around you and mixed reality (MR) experiences that blend physical and virtual environments. Companies can also use the metaverse for marketing, product development, customer service and training. Many companies have tried to combine virtual reality, augmented reality and the mobile internet, through its applications The metaverse offers many benefits for businesses, including increased flexibility, improved collaboration, and enhanced customer engagement.

The world’s first metaverse library , The Lingang Digital Technology Library is a Shanghai-based library which aims to provide a seamless connection between natural and VR and an immersive and interactive reading experience using available technologies. However libraries in the metaverse community can also  face many challenges, including resource constraints in developing this concept. The presentation of the library as an information organization in the Metaverse is also a challenge in itself, especially in the interaction and communication between users and information sources. Other obstacles which could arise in the implementation of virtual libraries  include immature technologies, lack of good internet support , high costs, infrastructure and data processing as well as a lack of industry standards and norms.

The virtual lecture ended with a Q&A session and a certificate presentation by the School of Postgraduate Studies, Diponegoro University to Professor Dr. Goh Khang Wen  in appreciation of his insightful sharing during the virtual guest lecture on the  “Future Library in Metaverse”.