Reporting back on augmented reality in libraries:
In Thurrock we ran some augmented reality sessions during October half term using the Carlton books (iexplore) for children which brings alive different subjects using apps on smartphones or tablets. We also used quiver.com which brings pictures to life too (such as Pudsey the bear and pumpkins for Halloween).
The sessions were popular with families and made use of the free library Wi-Fi and enabled older children using iexplore books to bring such animals such as dinosaurs, giant bugs (including spiders) and extinct animals to life. We bought the books so customers just bought their tablets along. The session was free as the library was open and was difficult to charge even a basic fee for this. Some books are also better (more fun) than others. My top 5 are dinosaurs, bugs, extinct animals, deep space and solar system. Some have been around for a few years but new books have been published this year. The downside to iexplore is that there is a separate app for each book and the stability of some of the newer apps isn't always consistent (and differs between types of tablet).
Quiver.com (thanks to Darren Edwards (Bournemouth) for this) is great for younger children. I printed off the drawings beforehand and only charged a photocopy fee (the website was under maintenance at the time so I printed from home using my Wi-Fi) as we can't print direct from Wi-Fi yet in Thurrock). We provided the space and colouring pens and showed how it worked. There are quite a few which are free to use but there are some charged ones on the app/website too. Best ones were dancing Pudsey, spooky pumpkins, Santa and Christmas and the fire engine. We also promoted the other digital content we have such as e-magazines for children (including a colouring book).
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