The Lifeworld of Writers: Virtual Reality Experiment for Library Visitors

Abstract

This paper experimentally investigated virtual reality as a new technology in library to promote greater empathy with a well-known author Jane Austen. The aim of this research is using innovative technologies to reshape the traditional libraries, to do so users experienced Jane’s life and inspirations using virtual reality and immersive environments by visiting her house, walking in her backyard and interacting with important stages of her professional life, the aim of this project was to reintroduce Jane Austen’s books to public and encourage them to read her publications, virtual reality was used as an effective tool to fulfil this need and the outcome was impressive, the level of visitors engagement was much higher than expectations and another library invited us to run the same project in their venue to motivate public audience to read more.