Potential use of augmented reality in LIS education

The subject of this article is the use of augmented reality technology in library and information science education. The aim is to determine the scope and potential uses of augmented reality in the education of information professionals. In order to determine the scope and forms of potential use of AR technology in LIS education a two-step analysis was conducted. The first stage was the in-depth analysis of LIS training programs offered by academic centers in Poland, including 8 programs (4 bachelor degree and 4 master degree). In this way, more than 350 learning outcomes were analyzed and grouped according to the frequency of occurrence. During the second stage of the study a list of the most important learning outcomes was compared with a list of skill areas that AR technology helps to develop, in order to formulate conclusions according to the potential use of AR in LIS education. Summarizing the results of the study, it can be concluded that AR technology is a useful teaching tool which enables students to achieve improved learning outcomes in the practical skills needed by librarians, as well as the personal and social competencies relevant to labor market needs.