The Role of the Metaverse in Redefining Libraries: An Opportunity for Innovation or a Threat to Traditions

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

• Ahmad Khosravi ¹
• soraya Ziaei ²

¹ Ph.D Candidate, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

² Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge & Information Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22067/infosci.2025.93260.1239

Abstract

Introduction: The metaverse is a three-dimensional, interactive, and immersive virtual environment developed through the integration of virtual reality, augmented reality, internet technologies, and digital spaces. Within this environment, users interact via digital avatars, participate in events, exchange information dynamically, and engage in various economic and educational activities. Accordingly, the present study seeks to explore the applications, challenges, and limitations of metaverse technology within the context of libraries.
Methods: This study employed a systematic review methodology, which is a qualitative research approach designed to examine phenomena and identify thematic categories based on prior studies. The research process was guided by the framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005), which provides a structured and rigorous set of guidelines for designing, conducting, and reporting systematic reviews. The framework includes the following stages: formulating research questions, identifying relevant studies, establishing inclusion and exclusion criteria, data extraction, synthesis, and presentation of findings. In accordance with the research objectives, a comprehensive search was conducted across major national databases—Civilica, Magiran, the Scientific Information Database of Jahad-e-Daneshgahi, the Noor Specialized Journals Database, the Comprehensive Portal of Humanities, and the Iranian Scientific Information Database (Ganj)—as well as international databases, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Springer, SAGE, and Emerald. The search covered the period from 2020 to 2022. To search the databases, the keywords “Metaverse and Libraries” were utilized. The search yielded 32 articles. Following the removal of duplicates and irrelevant records, 26 articles remained. Subsequently, a detailed content analysis was conducted, and based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria defined in the research protocol, an additional 17 articles were excluded. Ultimately, 9 articles were selected for the systematic review. Relevant data and key concepts aligned with the research objectives and questions were extracted from the full texts of the selected articles. Finally, the findings derived from the analysis of these articles were synthesized and presented as the research results.
Findings: The findings of the study suggest that the metaverse can play a significant role in enhancing library services. However, the adoption and implementation of this technology are accompanied by various challenges and limitations. The majority of the reviewed studies employed quantitative, survey-based methodologies, with librarians and libraries serving as the primary statistical population. Data collection in these studies predominantly involved questionnaires and interviews. Key applications of the metaverse within library contexts include improving user interaction and experience, offering advanced learning environments, facilitating virtual communication, promoting digital equity, and supporting the creation of innovative content. Emerging technologies in this domain enable the personalization of user experiences, broaden access to information resources, and support the development of interactive environments for education, research, and reference services. However, significant challenges persist, including security threats, infrastructural limitations, inadequate financial and human resources, the digital divide, and concerns related to mental health. Consequently, it is imperative to develop and implement effective strategies, such as investing in technological advancement, providing training and capacity-building for users and librarians, establishing clear security policies, and fostering institutional and inter-organizational collaboration.
Discussion and Conclusion: Libraries, as foundational institutions for the preservation and dissemination of knowledge, have consistently been shaped by technological advancements. The emergence of cutting-edge technologies such as the metaverse now presents libraries with both unprecedented challenges and transformative opportunities. These developments have fundamentally altered traditional modes of reading and learning, leading to a shift in user expectations toward immediate and comprehensive access to high-quality digital content. In this evolving landscape, libraries are compelled to redefine their role as knowledge centers in the digital era. This redefinition necessitates structural, technological, and service-oriented adaptations to meet the dynamic needs of the information society. The advent of the metaverse, in particular, has brought about profound transformations within libraries, offering significant potential alongside notable challenges—chief among them being the decline in physical visits due to the widespread availability of digital resource. The metaverse facilitates the creation of interactive and immersive virtual environments, thereby enhancing user engagement in scientific and cultural events. Digital libraries operating within the metaverse transcend temporal and spatial limitations, offering innovative experiences such as virtual tours and interactive access to digital resources. However, challenges related to privacy, data security, intellectual property rights, and users’ virtual identities necessitate the formulation of precise policies and the establishment of appropriate regulatory frameworks. The successful integration of the metaverse into library systems also requires the development of robust technical, financial, and educational infrastructures. Moreover, emerging technologies such as haptic feedback can simulate traditional sensory experiences within virtual settings. Ultimately, the fusion of conventional library practices with advanced digital technologies will reinforce the library’s role as a central hub of knowledge in the digital era.
Originality: The application of the metaverse in the field of libraries is an emerging topic that remains underexplored, particularly in developing countries. Given the limited research conducted in this area—especially within the geographical context of Iran—this study represents a meaningful contribution to the existing body of literature and helps to address a notable gap in research. The findings of this study, organized around three core components—potential applications, existing challenges, and developmental strategies for integrating the metaverse into libraries—can provide both a theoretical framework for future scholarly inquiry and a practical foundation for the implementation of this technology in library settings.

Keywords

• Metaverse
• Libraries
• Opportunities and threats

Main Subjects

• Information dissemination

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