Designing and engaging students in library tours using mixed reality: a study on library anxiety, knowledge acquisition, and student engagement

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of mixed reality (MR) technology in enhancing library tours for first-year students at a university academic library. It specifically aims to investigate whether MR tours can reduce library anxiety, improve knowledge acquisition and increase motivation when compared to traditional library tours. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a quasi-experimental research design, comparing two groups of first-year students (n = 96). One group (n = 48) experiences a MR library tour using the HoloLens 2 device, while the other group (n = 48) participates in a traditional library tour led by library staff. The participants’ library anxiety, knowledge acquisition and motivation are measured using relevant questionnaires before and after the tours. Findings The findings indicate that while both MR and traditional tours are effective in imparting knowledge, there is no statistically significant difference in overall knowledge acquisition. However, the MR tour significantly enhances students’ perceived competence, interest and effort, providing higher engagement and motivation. Traditional tours, on the other hand, are more effective in reducing library anxiety, particularly in relation to interactions with librarians. Originality/value This study highlights the potential of MR technology to enhance library tours by balancing immersive experiences with ease of use. MR bridges the gap between virtual reality’s immersion and the accessibility, lower cost of content development and simplicity of application usage. It aligns with trends in academic libraries by offering high engagement without common health issues like motion sickness. However, while MR applications can be developed at a relatively lower cost, the high cost of MR equipment remains a limitation for institutions. Despite this, MR presents a promising solution for improving student engagement and learning, with the potential to become more accessible as hardware costs decrease.