Awareness, Competence, and Perceptions of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and the Metaverse among Pakistani University Librarians

Abstract

This study assesses the readiness of Pakistani university librarians for Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Metaverse technologies by examining their awareness, competence, interest, and perceptions. A quantitative survey design was employed, with data collected from 96 librarians via a validated online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse demographic profiles, awareness, proficiency, interest levels, and perceived future roles of these technologies.

Librarians demonstrated moderate to high awareness of AR and the Metaverse but lower awareness of VR. Practical proficiency was limited across all three technologies. However, strong interest was expressed in learning and integrating these tools into library services. Perceptions of the Metaverse’s future role varied, with many anticipating moderates to transformative impacts. The study calls for targeted training programs, curriculum revisions, and institutional investments in infrastructure and partnerships to bridge the competence gap and foster technology adoption.

This is the first empirical study in Pakistan to focus on librarians’ readiness for immersive technologies, offering foundational insights for policy, practice, and future research in developing countries.

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